Local journalism value celebrated with honorary degree

A journalist who founded two independent local newspapers and has spent nearly three decades championing community journalism has received an honorary degree from the University of Reading.

Phil Creighton received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in a ceremony on Thursday, 11 December.

Creighton’s career in journalism began while he was studying Typography and Graphic Communication at the University. In 1996, he became editor of The Spark, the student-run newspaper. By his second year, he was already working professionally in the pre-press department of the Reading Evening Post, where The Spark was printed.

After graduating, Creighton joined the Post full-time, initially as Special Publications Editor and later as Features Editor. 

His career has spanned journalism, publishing, and broadcasting – including work for The Baptist Times, BBC Radio Berkshire, and Premier Radio. He has written a book, served as a TV critic and radio pundit, and even written cartoon strips for The Beano's publisher. 

Creighton founded Wokingham Today in 2015 and Reading Today in 2021, independent hyperlocal newspapers that became trusted sources of news for Berkshire communities.

Today, he works in PR and runs two blogs: Cheeselogs.co.uk, covering Reading's arts and leisure scene, and Aurahear.co.uk, focused on Auracast Bluetooth assistive listening technology. He recently returned to his roots by mentoring students to help relaunch The Spark.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "A thriving democracy depends on strong local journalism, and Phil Creighton has dedicated his career to providing exactly that for our community. 

“His commitment to championing local voices, holding power to account, and celebrating community achievements demonstrates the enduring importance of independent local news. We are proud to recognise his outstanding contribution to journalism and his community."

Image: L-R Dr Caroline Baylon, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), Phil Creighton, and External Relations manager Pete Castle