Newcastle University’s media students had the chance to learn from award winning producer and investigative journalist Dianne Nelmes when she interviewed the controversial host of Britain’s most successful television talk show.
Dianne, who is visiting Professor in Media and Journalism, launched Jeremy Kyle’s television career after hearing his late night talk show on Capital Radio.
The interview was a coup for the University’s School of Arts & Cultures as the talk show host famously refuses interview requests.
“Dianne Nelmes gave me the biggest break of my career and huge creative support when I first started in television,” said Jeremy. “She has been, and still is, a huge mentor to me and I did this as a way of thanking her.
“She warned me that the interview would be a frank and challenging one but I simply followed the advice she has always given me – to be totally honest.”
Jeremy was true to his word and shared everything from the fact that one of his children believes his job is a rubbish collector at his local racecourse, to his lesser-known links to the royal family (his father used to work for the Queen Mother).
He faced some difficult questions from the invited audience about the ethics of his show but left many convinced that there is actually a place for this type of television. He argued that the show is about “conflict resolution” and is actually a means of counselling for many who take part. The audience was surprised to hear about the number of psychologists and extent of aftercare offered to participants: last year the show paid for 300 people to go into detox.
The Jeremy Kyle Show – the tawdriest hour in daytime television or television with a social purpose? - took place in the University’s King’s Hall this afternoon ( Tuesday 16 March 2010). It included a Q&A audience session with the students, invited guests and A level media students from local schools.
“It was a lively session on interviewing techniques and gave the students a unique chance to question Jeremy Kyle about his show and the ethics of confrontational television,” said Dianne.
Dianne is a Newcastle University graduate (Politics and Economics) and was also Editor of students’ newspaper the Courier and President of the Students Union.
published on: 16th March 2010