2014
Colin Slater – A seasoned communicator and maestro of sports coverage
Honorary Degree of Master of Arts (HonMA) in recognition of his significant contribution to sport journalism, the community through his charity work and long service as a local magistrate.
Bradford-born journalist Colin Slater came to Nottingham in 1959 as chief municipal correspondent for the city’s Evening News, which later merged with the Nottingham Post. He also took up the paper’s coverage of Notts County Football Club. When he switched to public relations work with Nottinghamshire County Council, he began doing football commentaries for BBC Radio Nottingham. Colin has now reported on more than 2,700 Notts County matches. His unparalleled and unbroken feat of journalism has been recognized by the club in making him the first non-footballer in its Hall of Fame, and by the radio industry with a Sony Lifetime Achievement Award.
An MBE in 2001 also acknowledged his radio work and his wider contribution to the community through voluntary and charity work and as a magistrate.