This workshop explores 'Attack Journalism' in the British press from the 18th Century to the current day. It demonstrates how and why this area of news culture intertwines narratives of politics, celebrity and self-identity as a mechanism for social control. You will develop skills to 'spot and counter' attack journalism, consider whether an extension to the IPSO Code of Practice could tackle it, and plan how we might campaign for such a change.

Dr Bethany Usher began her professional career as staff reporter at tabloid newspapers, before quitting and speaking out about some practices she encountered. She is a lecturer at Newcastle University where her teaching, research and journalistic practice focus on campaigning, activism, celebrity news, self-identity and media as a mechanism for social control. Follow her @bethanyusher.