David Baddiel announced as next Visiting Professor of Broadcast Media

David Baddiel

David Baddiel has been announced as the next Visiting Professor of Creative Media in the Faculty of English Language and Literature.

David Baddiel is a comedian, author, screenwriter, television presenter and Jewish activist. Following the publication of his bestselling polemic, Jews Don't Count, David has been at the forefront of tackling antisemitism in the media, sport, and particularly, within the context of modern identity politics. His next book, The God Desire, will be published in April 2023.

He will will succeed author Jeanette Winterson CBE who will give her final talk as Visiting Professor of Creative Media on 4 May 2023.

Professor Marion Turner, Chair of the English Faculty Board, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming David to the Faculty next year. His versatility and engagement with such a wide range of media and genres fits him perfectly for this role, and I know our students will be thrilled to have the opportunity to hear him speak in person.”

Photo by Steve Best Xavicus Media
 
David's varied career spans over 30 years. As a stand-up comedian he was credited with turning comedy into "The New Rock n Roll" when he sold out Wembley area in the UK's first ever arena comedy show in 1992. His television credits include creating and starring in The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned, Newman and Baddiel in Pieces and Fantasy Football League. Along with Frank Skinner and Ian Broudie, David created the seminal football anthem Three Lions.

More recently he has created and presented several acclaimed documentaries, including The Trouble with Dad (Channel 4), Confronting Holocaust Denial (BBC2) Social Media, Anger and Us (BBC2) and the Channel Four adaptation of his book, Jews Don’t Count. David has published ten hugely successful children's books – the first of which, The Parent Agency, is presently being adapted as a musical – as well as four critically acclaimed adult novels.

The Visiting Professorship of Media was established in 1996, as part of a generous benefaction from News UK. It is an annual appointment, and previous incumbents include Stig Abell, Armando Iannucci, and Jenny Abramsky.