The University of Sheffield
Department of Journalism Studies

John Steel

PhD, University of Sheffield; BA (hons) Politics, University of Sheffield

tel: (+44)0114 2222545

email : j.steel@sheffield.ac.uk

John SteelAfter graduating from the Department of Politics at Sheffield, John went on to study for a PhD in political theory. His PhD focused on freedom of speech and its ideological components in early to mid-nineteenth century radical newspapers and pamphlets. Whilst completing this research, he took up a research post at Sheffield Hallam University focussing on the use of Internet technologies in learning and teaching. Following stints teaching politics at both Sheffield Hallam University and at the University of Sheffield, John was appointed as lecturer in Journalism Studies in February 2005.

Teaching and Research

John Steel’s teaching is led by his research interests which centre around the following topics: the relationship between journalism and democracy; historical and theoretical approaches to journalism and the media; free speech, censorship and freedom of the press; journalism and the coverage of war and conflict, and journalism education.

Recent and forthcoming publications include:

Conboy, M. & Steel, J. eds. (2013) Routledge Companion to Media History, London: Routledge, forthcoming
Conboy, M. & Steel, J. (2013) The Language of Newspapers in Nineteenth Century England,
Basingstoke: Palgrave, forthcoming
Steel, J. (2012) ‘Examining the Relationship Between Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press’, Ethical Space, forthcoming
Steel, J. (2012) Journalism and Free Speech, London: Routledge
Conboy, M. & Steel, J. (2010) ‘From “We” to “Me”: The Changing Construction of Popular Tabloid Journalism’, Journalism Studies, Special Issue: The Future of Journalism, 11(4), pp. 500-510.
Steel, J. (2009) ‘The Radical Narrative, Political Thought and Praxis’, Media History, 15(2), pp. 221-237
Steel, J. (2009) ‘The Idea of Journalism’ in W. Eadie, ed. 21st Century Communication, Thousand Oaks, California: Sage
Conboy, M. & Steel, J. (2008) ‘The Future of Newspapers: Historical Perspectives’.
Journalism Studies, Special Edition on the Future of Newspapers, 9(5), pp. 650-661
Steel, J. (2008) ‘Press Censorship in Britain: Blurring the Boundaries of Censorship’.
Journal for the Study of British Cultures Special Edition on Censorship, 15(1), pp. 159-170
Steel, J. et al (2007) ‘Experiential Learning and Journalism Education: Lessons Learned in the Practice of teaching Journalism’.
Education and Training, 49, (4), pp. 325-334

In addition running the MA in International Political Communication John also teaches on the following modules:

PHD Supervision

John is currently supervising PhD candidates on the following topics:

John would welcome applications to study for a research degree in areas broadly linked to the following: