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In Britain, a return to the idea of the liberal arts International Herald Tribune, 12 May 2013
Dr James E Bjork, History, commented in an article profiling King’s new liberal arts programme. He said: 'There are trade-offs with the traditional single-subject approach in terms of the number of courses you can take.’

Appointment shows relevance of Brazil, says a professor at King's CollegeO Globo (Brazil), 08 May 2013
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, was interviewed about the appointment of a Brazilian as the next head of the World Trade Organization (WTO). ‘This is not an award, but recognition of Brazil’s diplomatic efforts,’ he said.

Anti-domestic violence campaign in Saudi Arabia  BBC Radio 4, 01 May 2013
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, discussed the 'widespread' problem of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, which, she says, has recently been acknowledged by the government and an anti-domestic violence advertising campaign.

Jazz at the Movies, BBC Radio 2, 29 April 2013
Dr Harvey Cohen, Lecturer in Culture, Media & Creative Industries, was interviewed about the life and work of jazz musician Duke Ellington. Dr Cohen discussed how, during the 1930s, Duke Ellington and his Orchestra were featured in Hollywood movies earlier and more respectably than any other African American figures during the decade. Interview begins at 14.10.

Rate cut is another impasse in Europe Folha de Sao Paulo (Brazil), 27 April 2013
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, commented ahead of the ECB’s decision to cut interest rates this week. ‘Reducing the interest rate at a level which was already low is likely to have little or no economic impact. I don’t think that growth will be significantly encouraged this way,’ he said. The story was also reported by Globo (Brazil).

Writers in love with other art forms Financial Times, 26 April 2013
Professor Andrew O'Hagan, English, and curator of 'The Joy of Influence', previews the series of events at King's in which six novelists will discuss the inspiration they've drawn from other art forms. Also reported by the Guardian.

Boston bombings
Several academics from King’s were interviewed on the recent terrorist attack in Boston, including Dr Marat Shterin, Theology & Religious Studies, who discussed on Sky News 'a combination of different factors' that may have led to the attack. 

Being Protestant in Reformation Britain Times Higher Education, 18 April 2013
Dr Lucy Wooding, History, reviews Being Protestant in Reformation Britain by Alex Ryrie.

Cameron's Conservatives cannot revive Thatcherism Financial Times, 17 April 2013
Professor Richard Vinen, History, writes about the legacy of Margaret Thatcher and her political ideology. He writes that the 'alliance of beliefs' that formed Thatcherism no longer exists. According to Professor Vinen, Thatcherism has reached a stage where it, 'can no longer be reversed through politics.’

Edward the Confessor BBC Radio 3, 17 April 2013
Dr Stephen Baxter, History, discusses Edward the Confessor on BBC Radio 3’s The Essay. He said: ‘He was a central figure in a period of turbulent politics, characterised by factional intrigue, rebellion, invasion and conquest.’ 

English Heritage: Clergy Lives BBC Radio 4, 17 April 2013
Dr Ruth Adams, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, appeared on Thinking Allowed to discuss her new study which argues that powerful interest groups have championed a 'country house' version of our national past in place of a more complex and diverse history.

Have the bombings in Boston changed how you think about security? Scotland TV, 16 April 2013 
Dr James Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, was interviewed about the recent bombings in Boston. Whilst warning that it would be wrong to jump to conclusions about who was responsible for the attack, he said there is a 'distinct possibility' that domestic 'right-wing militia' may have been the perpetrators, given recent pressures for gun legislation and the fact that the attack took place on Patriot's Day. Dr Boys was also interviewed on Sky News. 

Barbaric image of Syrian rebel holding pilot's decapitated head on a barbeque is posted online... but is sickening picture a piece of propaganda? Daily Mail, 15 April 2013
Dr Craig Larkin, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, commented on the use of propaganda in Syria. He said: 'With the conflict now more or less at stalemate, it is fast becoming a tit-for-tat war of propaganda over who is committing the most barbaric atrocities – both for the benefit of local and international communities.' 

Margaret Thatcher: her unswerving faith shaped by her father Daily Telegraph, 14 April 2013
Dr Eliza Filby, History, writes about Margaret Thatcher’s religious background that was ‘shaped by her father’, according to Dr Filby.

Baroness Thatcher’s Funeral 
Dr Eliza Filby, History, was interviewed ahead of Baroness Thatcher's funeral about the former Prime Minister's religious background. Dr Filby discussed the role of Baroness Thatcher's father in her religious upbringing and said her faith 'rooted her politics.' Dr Filby was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC World News. Her comments also appeared in China Daily, People’s Daily  (China), Sina.com (China), Sohu.com (China) and Xinhua (China). Yazdan Chowdhury, King’s College London Conservative Society, also gave a perspective on Mrs Thatcher’s funeral on Sky News.

The life and legacy of Margaret Thatcher
Following the death of Britain’s first female prime minister, King’s academics have discussed Margaret Thatcher’s legacy. Dr Eliza Filby, History, was interviewed by BBC London, BBC Radio 4, O Globo (Brazil) and IG Sao Paulo (Brazil); Professor Richard Vinen, History, commented on her death in Folha de Sao Paulo, and Dr Andrew Blick, History, discussed the upcoming funeral on BBC London .

As Saudi cracks down, foreign workers lie low Live Mint (India), 03 April 2013 
Dr Ashraf Mishrif, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies , comments on news that the Saudi authorities are cracking down on illegal residents. Also in Wall Street Journal .

Una ola de provocaciones previsible El País (Spain), 03 April 2013
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, writes about the current escalation of tensions with North Korea. He suggests that despite provocations, Kim Jong-un does want to reduce the county's dependency on China and South Korea, and open up diplomatic reconciliation with Washington.

A door to a better realm, thrown open The Times, 30 March 2013
Professor Alister McGrath, Theology & Religious Studies, discusses what Easter came to mean to author C S Lewis. Professor McGrath’s new book, C. S. Lewis — Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet, will be published on Thursday 11 April.

Pre-Big Bang Era of Banking BBC Radio 4, 26 March 2013
Professor Richard Roberts, History, comments on how there were different ways of rewarding bankers in the 'pre-Big Band era' in comparison with today. 

Obama in Israel - At Last Arise News, 25 March 2013
Dr James D Boys,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, talked about President Obama's trip to Israel. He said: 'Travelling in his security bubble, it is likely to be the one opportunity he gets to really see the land and appreciate its precarious position.'

Have a big idea? Millions await you The Telegraph (Calcutta, India), 16 March 2013
Dr Ananya Jahanara Kabir, English, was mentioned on the front page of The Telegraph in a story about Indian researchers receiving funding from the European Research Council (ERC). ‘Kabir, who will take up a position as a professor of English literature at King's College London next month, is about to embark on a five-year research proj­ect to explore Africa's place in the evolution of dance elsewhere in the world. Kabir’s project is the only one in the humanities from an Indian researcher.’

How BB got under our skin , Daily Telegraph, 15 March 2013
Professor Ginette Vincendeau, Film Studies, argues that the durability of Bridget Bardot’s allure makes her a more interesting cultural phenomenon than better actresses such as Catherine Deneuve or Jeanne Moreau.

As the smoke clears after Saudi Arabia's latest mass execution by firing squad... Charles and Camilla fly in,  Independent, 14 March 2013
Professor Madawi al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, commented on Prince Charles' visit to Saudi Arabia with the Duchess of Cornwall. She said: 'Such visits do more damage to the human rights cause because they give recognition to a regime that continues to oppress women and men.'

New pope – King’s experts comment
Professor  Anne Duggan, History, spoke to BBC News about the achievements of Adrian IV, the last and only English pope. She said his most important achievement for Catholics generally was establishing the principle that serfs could freely and lawfully marry without the consent of their lords. 

David Livingstone anniversary  BBC Radio 4, 10 March 2013
Professor Clare Pettitt, English, was interviewed about the achievements of explorer Dr David Livingstone on the 200th anniversary of his birth. Professor Pettitt praised his 'extraordinary achievements' as 'Africa's publicist' for global trade.

Young women may reject feminism as marginal and old-fashioned
European women who reject feminism often see it as obsolete or associated with extreme views, according to research from Dr Christina Scharff, Culture, Media & Creative Industries. Dr Scharff said: ‘In many contemporary western European societies the mention of ‘feminism’ often provokes unease, bewilderment, or overt hostility.’ This was reported by the Daily Mail and Guardian.  

King's launches digital edition of La entretenida
King’s has announced the launch of the digital edition of La entretenida, which takes a bold and innovative approach to the editing of Spanish Golden Age plays. La entretenida  or ‘The Diversion’ was written by Miguel de Cervantes in 1615. The Spanish novelist, poet and playwright’s work is considered some of the most significant fiction ever written and heavily influenced the development of the Spanish language.

EU commitment needed on preventing mass atrocities
The EU needs to strengthen its commitment, and its strategic toolkit, to prevent mass atrocities, according to a new report by the Task Force on the EU Prevention of Mass Atrocities, co-chaired by Professor Christoph Meyer, European & International Studies. Professor Meyer said: ‘The EU has the expertise, the staying power and the resources to substantially reduce the risks of mass atrocities occurring.’

John Kerry visits UK  BBC Radio 5 Live, 25 February 2013
Dr James D Boys,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, examines the political pedigree of John Kerry, the new US Secretary of State, on the day of his first visit to the UK. He described John Kerry as 'admirable and qualified' and 'someone to whom Barack Obama owes a great deal.'

A season of content made glorious by cultural partnerships, 20 February 2013
Leading cultural organisations have signed a letter of intent to confirm their partnership with King’s in a co-ordinated season of events for the Shakespeare quatercentenary in 2016. Underpinned by the expertise of London Shakespeare Centre and facilitated by King’s Cultural Institute, the Shakespeare400 season will run from April to September 2016. Professor Gordon McMullan, London Shakespeare Centre, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with world-class cultural partners to celebrate the profound impact of 400 years of Shakespeare.’

King's partners with Royal Opera House on digital project19 February 2013
The Department of Digital Humanities is partnering with the Royal Opera House and digital agency POP on one of the first collaborative projects funded by the Digital R&D Fund for the Arts programme. In a partnership brokered by the King’s Cultural Institute, David Little and Paul Vetch, Digital Humanities, will be exploring more sustainable and effective ways to use mobile technology in the arts sector. 

The multiple splendours of love  Times Higher Education, 14 February 2013
Davina Quinlivan,  Film Studies, explores the charm of offbeat 'alternative romcoms' on Valentine's Day. She writes: ‘Predictable and inauthentic representations have their antidotes, arguably, in interesting examples of what we might call ‘alternative romcoms: films that go against the grain and offer very different reflections on romance and its more unconventional guises.’

Let's fall in love like the ancients  Washington Post, 10 February 2013
Visiting Professor Simon May,  Philosophy, talks about 'the impossible expectations of romantic love'. He writes: ‘When we celebrate patriotism on national holidays like the Fourth of July, we don’t expect our country to be perfect. (…). But when we sit opposite each other at a Valentine’s Day dinner, we feel profoundly uneasy, even threatened, if, just then, not everything feels right.’ Article is also taken up by Press Republican and Denver Post.

Saudi prince repatriated for prison sentence  BBC Radio 4, 07 February 2013
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, commented on the Today  programme about Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Nasir al Saud, who killed one of his servants. She said: ‘It is unlikely that he will be put in prison for life or beheaded. It seems the princes in Saudi Arabia are governed by a law of their own making.’

France says 'non' to hashtags Sydney Morning Herald, 03 February 2013
The Academie Francaise has declared that the word ‘hashtag’ should be called 'mot-diese' in French. Dr Craig Moyes, French, feels ‘mot-diese’ is too musical. ‘You can’t really impose words – you can suggest them, you could say perhaps why they might be better, but ultimately [popular] usage will decide.’

Podcasts While You Wait,  28 January 2013
A new series of podcasts explores the concept of waiting, with one of four ‘listening stations' to be based at King’s. The initiative While You Wait is presented by King’s Cultural Institute (KCI), progressive theatre producers, Fuel, and Roundhouse. Deborah Bull, KCI, said: ‘I am delighted that KCI is hosting the launch of Fuel's eclectic and imaginative 2013 Spring Season.’

Kurt Schwitters, On the Edge, Gender, The Love Charm of Bombs  BBC Radio 3, 28 January 2013
Dr Lara Feigel,  English, was interviewed about her new book 'The Love Charm of Bombs', a wartime biography of five writers, amongst them Graham Greene, Elizabeth Bowen and Rose Macaulay who volunteered as ambulance drivers and ARP wardens.

Arab spring still a work in progress,  Voice of America, 25 January 2012
As Egyptians mark the second anniversary of their revolution, Voice of America asked experts to assess the actual impact of the Arab Spring. Dr Stacy Gutkowski,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, said: 'The word ‘revolution’ is a very romantic term. It conjures up images of something dramatic like the Berlin Wall falling. That isn’t what has happened in the region. These are rumblings, long-term rumblings. But not yet radical change.' Also reported by HBTV (via Xinhua), Tencent, Bao Tou News  and The Fiji News.

Ageing gamers, BBC World Service, 22 January 2013
Dr Tim Jordan, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, believes the gaming industry is changing its approach by becoming more inclusive of older generations. He said: 'In the main the gaming population is ageing as games get older.'

Love among the ruins, Financial Times, 18 January 2013
A review of new book The Lovecharm of Bombs: Restless Lives in the Second World War by Dr Lara Feigel, Department of English.

The passionate European's case for leaving the union Financial Times (UK and US editions), 16 January 2013
Professor Simon May, Philosophy, discusses the reason for the UK to leave the EU. He said: ’It is irresponsible to ask, yet again, a country with virtually no interest in such a development to renew its vows to a marriage whose very purpose it cannot abide.’This article was also featured in the Daily Express.

Costly? Manipulative? Secretive? Financial Times, 10 January 2013
Dr Helen Yallop,  History, writes about the misconceptions of headhunting as being costly, manipulative and secretive. She writes: 'Headhunters are trained to make things easy and pleasant.' 

Amor, uma historia Folha de Sao Paulo , 08 January 2013
An interview with Professor Simon May,  Philosophy, following publication of his book Love: A History. 

Chaplin and Music, BBC Radio 3, 29 December 2012
Fern Riddell, a PhD student in the Department of History, took part in BBC Radio 3’s Music Feature programme in an episode about Charlie Chaplin’s work as a film composer. 

When the Mail traded shares for its readers, Daily Mail, 29 December 2012
Research by Professor Richard Roberts, History, was mentioned in an article about the time of Charles Duguid as City Editor of the Daily Mail.

Ones to watch in 2013, Independent, 29 December 2012
King's alumna Aiysha Hart was named as one to watch in 2013. An English Literature graduate, Aiysha is due to feature in Richard Curtis' new rom-com About Time later this year.

Between the lines: ancient parchments, modern puzzles, Independent, 29 December 2012
A review of new book by Professor Joan Taylor, Theology & Religious Studies, entitled The Essenes, the Scrolls and the Dead Sea. The review said: 'Her prose is fully measured and her proposition, that the Essenes were not a sect but one of the leading legal schools of Judaism, sounds plausible.'

Hundreds gather in anticipation of the end of the world    
Dr Adrian Pearce,  Department of History  and  Spanish, Portuguese & Latin American Studies , has commented on the ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end on Friday 21 December. Dr Pearce said: ‘Some speak of apocalypse, of the end of the world… But others have a more positive interpretation, and speak rather of a transition from one great cycle of human time and experience, to a new cycle which will be more positive for human kind and for the planet.’ His comments were featured on BBC News at 10, BBC Breakfast, China Radio International, Xinhua (China), China News, China Daily, and Sina (China), among other Chinese online news sources. 

The Hub: Gun crime in the US BBC World News, 17 December 2012
Dr Harvey Cohen, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, spoke to the BBC about the difficulties of changing gun laws in the USA and the links to the US constitution. He said: ‘Change has got to come from the US Congress, in order to make it legal and make it stick… The Supreme Court would not usually overturn something like that.’

Conne cticut School Shooting ITV News, 17 December 2012
Dr James D Boys,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, believes the recent school shooting in Connecticut will not prompt a change in gun legislation due to the 'cultural, historical and political block' of the Second Amendment, which allows American's to bear arms. He added: 'It is very difficult to see how gun legislation will get through with a Republican-controlled Congress.' Dr Boys also discussed gun control on Sky News and Channel 5 News.

North-Korea launches rocket Phoenix TV (China), 13 December 2012
Phoenix TV London interviewed Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European and International Studies, on the political and international impact of North Korea’s rocket launch.

Top History Unit Moves to King's  07 December 2012
King’s has announced that it will welcome the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHoSTM) from Imperial College London to the Department of History in August 2013. Dr Adam Sutcliffe, History, said: ‘The arrival of CHoSTM at King’s will enable us to embed the teaching of the history of science, technology and medicine into our curriculum at all levels.’

Tristan und Isolde's radical spirit  Guardian, 04 December 2012
John Deathridge, Music, writes about Glyndebourne's 2007 production of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde.

"A National and Broader Reconciliation is Required for a Permanent Solution in Palestine",  Turkish Weekly, 29 November 2012
Interview with Dr Craig Larkin from the Middle East & Mediterranean Studies Department. He explains the political reasons behind the recent war in Gaza and gives his view on the current ceasefire. 

Culture thriving in age of austerity 23 November 2012
Andy Pratt, Professor of Culture, Media and Economy, published a paper which argued that the relationship between culture and economy has changed, challenging the popular view that, in times of austerity, culture is the first to suffer. Professor Pratt presented the paper at a Regional Studies Association conference in London on 23 November.

The Eurozone crisis Folha de Sao Paulo, 21 November 2012
Commenting on the Eurozone crisis, Dr Ramon Pacheco, from the Department of European & International Studies, said: ‘The Eurozone should not worry too much about French regulations.’

After Rowan, the Church is taken seriously The Times, 20 November 2012
Lord Harries of Pentregarth, honorary professor of Theology, writes about the contribution of Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, to Christianity. He said: 'The imagination of our culture may not yet have been recaptured for the Christian faith, but if in the future it is, historians will point to the archbishopric of Rowan Williams as the cusp on which it began to turn.' 

PM in ‘difficult position’ Agence France-Presse (AFP), 19 November 2012
Dr Ramon Pacheco, Department of European & International Studies, commented on the European Council in Brussels. He explained the difficult position of the British Prime Minister David Cameron as the EU’s heads of state and government are trying to agree on the next long-term budget of the European Union.

Ibero-American Summit Al Jazeera, 16 November 2012
Dr Ramon Pacheco, from the Department of European & International Studies, was interviewed about the Ibero-American Summit, a yearly meeting of the heads of government and state of the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking nations of Europe and the Americas.

Impoverished Iberians, booming Latin America eye new relations  Reuters US , 15 November 2012
Ahead of the Ibero-American Summit in Cadiz, Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo,  European & International Studies , commented on the changing relationship between Spain and Portugal, which he says is now 'much more about the economy, about necessity.' Also reported by O Globo, Terra (Peru, Argentina), Yahoo (Mexico, Peru),Reuters America Latina and Reuters India.

Bible Readers and Lay Writers in Early Modern England  Times Higher Education , 14 November 2012
Dr Lucy Wooding,  History, reviews Kate Narveson's new book about the impact of the King James Bible on women in early modern England.

Q&A: will a postgrad boost my job prospects? The Guardian, 12 November 2012
Laura McKenzie, Head of Service in the College's Careers and Employability Department, and Chelsea Pech, an MA student in CMCI, took part in a live Q&A about postgraduate study's value outside of academia.

Britain Pushing Harder for International Resolution in Syria  Voice of America , 09 November 2012
Britain is pushing for greater international involvement in the ongoing crisis in Syria. Professor Michael Kerr,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, said that forming a united political front may be the only chance to bring peace to Syria.

US election 2012: McDonald's, Dixieland, 'dead heat' so far?  Channel 4 News, 07 November 2012
Dr James D Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, spoke to Channel 4 News prior to the US election results. He said: 'I think that the Republican vote is probably being underreported and what you are seeing – that there is a tie going into this – is remarkable for Romney because he was 10 points behind in a lot of states two months ago.' Dr Boys also interviewed by Monocle24.

US Election 2012,  Daily Telegraph, 06 November 2012
Dr James D Boys, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Studies, recorded video updates for The Daily Telegraph during election night, stating that despite predictions, the swing states were too close to call. 

New translation that brings elation The Times , 03 November 2012
Professor Edith Hall,  Classics, judged The Times Stephen Spender Prize for poetry translation. She said that this year's entries 'have been united by their striking diversity. More poets, more languages and more far-flung lands were represented than I can remember.' 

Where is the Green Party?  Al Jazeera, 02 November 2012
In an article about the absence of impact of the Green Party in US politics, Dr James D Boys, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Studies, said: ‘If you’re a small group like the Greens, then you’ve got a real challenge just getting into the game.’

Europeans Wary About US Election  Voice of America, 01 November 2012
Dr James Boys, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Studies, commented on the European perspective of the US elections. He said: ‘The election has put a pause on the future direction of U.S. foreign policy.  And I think many of us here in Europe are anxious to see what transpires in the new year under a new administration, be it headed by Romney or Obama.’ 

The Anarchy BBC Radio 4, 01 November 2012
Professor David Carpenter, History, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time programme discussing   the civil war that took place in mid-twelfth century England.

All the world's a Greek tragedy,  Guardian , 30 October 2012
In an article about the popularity of Greek tragedies with modern audiences, Professor Edith Hall,  Classics, commented that more Greek tragedies have been staged in the past 50 years than at any time since the ancient Greeks were watching them.

Erotic art dating back to Roman times is discovered by amateur treasure hunters armed with metal detectors,  Daily Mail, 28 October 2012
Dr John Pearce, Classics, comments on the discovery of a piece of erotic art by the Portable Antiquities Scheme. He said: 'One theory is that those scenes that show sexual activity have an apotropaic power [power to prevent evil], because they make you laugh so that wards off the evil eye.'

Round 3: Romney is still standing  The Commentator, 23 October 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, wrote about the third and final US presidential debate. He said: 'Early polling appeared to give Obama an edge, but Romney was still standing at the end of the night as the president's equal.’ 

Digital technology rebuilds Old Summer Palace China Daily, 23 October 2012
A report on the official launch of the Chinese language version of the London Charter, a computer-based cultural visualisation project, led by Dr Hugh Denard, Digital Humanities. Also reported in China by China Youth Daily, Education China, People.com.cn, Sohu.com and Xinhuanet.com.

US Presidential Race: Obama And Romney Clash Sky News, 17 October 2012
Dr James D. Boys,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, analysed the second US presidential debate, saying that it was a draw between the two candidates.

There Was A Country: A Personal History of Biafra,  Independent, 13 October 2012
Dr Zoe Norridge, English, reviewed Chinua Achebe’s new book about Biafra – the aspirational, ideologically-charged nation that broke away from Nigeria in 1967. 

Joe Biden and Paul Ryan clash in Vice-Presidential debate,  Sky News, 12 October 2012
Dr James D. Boys,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, analysed the performance of Joe Biden and Paul Ryan in last night's Vice-Presidential debate, on the Sunrise programme.

Arts & Humanities Festival 2012: Metamorphoses
The School of Arts & Humanities launches its annual Arts & Humanities Festival this month, which this year explores the theme of Metamorphoses: Transformations and Conversions. A wide array of talks, performances, exhibitions and much more will be open to the public including appearances from novelist Will Self and comedienne Josie Long. Professor Jan Palmowski, Head of the School of Arts & Humanities, said: ‘This year’s Festival offers an exciting chance to explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in conversions and metamorphoses.’

New scholars welcomed to King's  11 October 2012
The School of Arts & Humanities is welcoming over 50 new, permanent academics this year as the College consolidates its expertise in the Humanities, Literatures, Modern Languages and the Creative Arts, strengthening its world-leading reputation in these areas. Professor Jan Palmowski, Head of the School of Arts and Humanities, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome so many new colleagues.’

How To Debate… (Mitt Romney Style),  The Commentator, 10 October 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, writes about Mitt Romney’s performance during the first US presidential debate. He said: 'A poor performance for Romney last week would have been enough to seal the deal for an Obama victory. Instead, the president is on the ropes and Romney is surging.'

The great debates The Commentator, 3rd October 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, previews the US presidential election debates.

Digital Humanities': Time travel via the Internet International Herald Tribune, 1st October 2012
For decades, research into the digital humanities 'percolated along' said Professor Willard McCarty from the Department of Digital Humanities, in an interview with the International Herald Tribune. He added: 'Then when the Web was invented in the early 1990s, people starting putting all sorts of material online. And suddenly you could get access to manuscripts and images you used to have to traipse all over Europe to look at.'

Indonesia for an international protocol against blasphemy Le Point (France), 25 September 2012
Dr Carool Kersten, Theology and Religious Studies, discusses the implications of a law on blasphemy, as put forward by the Indonesian President in response to an anti-Islam film.

Saudi restoration commemorates pact of princes, clerics CNBC online (from Reuters), 25 September 2012
Commenting on the decline of historical buildings in Saudi Arabia, Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology and Religious Studies, said: ‘This historical focus undermines two important dimensions: first the contribution of many people in Saudi Arabia towards this state project, and also the role of conquest in it.'

Andrew Mitchell 'pleb' row BBC Radio 4, 24 September 2012
Professor Edith Hall, Classics, discusses the historical origins of the word 'pleb', allegedly used by Conservative chief whip Andrew Mitchell in an argument with Downing Street police officers.

'Islamists in Turkey decided to reinvent themselves' Sabah (Turkey), 24 September 2012
Dr Carool Kersten, Theology & Religious Studies, was interviewed about Islamism and secularism in Turkey.

Imperial dreams still haunt Britain Financial Times, 22 September 2012
Professor Richard Vinen, History, writes about a British society haunted by its Imperial past.

Blasphemy and Islam Voice of Russia, 20 September 2012
Dr Carool Kersten, Theology & Religious Studies, suggests there may be a political angle to the protests that have broken out across the Muslim world in response to an anti-Islam film. Also reported in Rosbalt (Russia).

Is Romney throwing it all away? The Commentator, 19 September 2012
Dr James D Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, discusses the implications of a secret video clip in which Mitt Romney says the Palestinians are committed to Israel's destruction.

Empowering Palestine Khaleej Times, 13 September 2012
Ghanem Nuseibeh,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, writes about the economic benefits that could be achieved by both Palestine and Israel from equality and commercial integration.    

Fear and loathing: Another unholy row about Islam Independent, 13 September 2012
Dr Carool Kersten,  Theology and Religious Studies, comments on the Channel 4 documentary 'Islam: The Untold Truth'. He said the documentary was 'an oversimplified hypothesis which touches raw nerves...It is a complicated story of course and if you don't explain it well then you can expect accusations from within the Muslim community.'

Role reversal in the US presidential election The Commentator, 12 September 2012
Dr James D. Boys,  Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, suggests that we're seeing a role reversal in the US presidential election of an accepted political maxim, where the Democrats are becoming the 'Daddy' and Republicans the 'Mummy'.

John Berger: Art and Property Now Independent, 9 September 2012
The John Berger exhibition at Somerset House East Wing received a four-star review. The article said: 'With press cuttings, photographs, scribbled notes, and a fan letter from Tom Waits, Art and Property Now is a lightning tour through a unique career'. Also reported in the Guardian and The Arts Desk.

US presidential election hots up Sky News, 8 September 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discussed the race for the White House and the forthcoming challenges for both candidates following the respective Republican and Democratic National Conventions

The whistleblower culture The Commentator, 06 September 2012
Dr James D. Boys,  Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, writes about America's 'whistle-blower culture'. He said: 'No doubt there have been occasions when revealing state secrets to the press was in the public interest and germane to investigative reporting.' Dr Boys was also interviewed by Monocle 24 Radio about state secrets and what should or should not be revealed.

Narrative trust Times Higher Education, 06 September 2012
In an article about good academic prose, Professor Ludmilla Jordanova,  History, urges her doctoral students to regard writing and editing as artisanal activities. She said: 'Think of it as being a potter or a woodworker or whatever; pay attention to the way things are puttogether. Do adjectives work well here? Am I using the right kind of verb?'

Bill Clinton delivers keynote speech at Convention Sky News, 06 September 2012
Dr James D. Boys,  Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, discussed Bill Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention. Dr Boys was also interviewed by Al Jazeera and Voice of Russia about the Democratic National Convention.

First World War: are we getting the complete picture? 04 September 2012
The First World War is one of the most widely covered topics in further andhigher education and schools, but according to a new JISC report, little isknown about what aspects of the War are being taught, the key research questions or indeed the digital content available to support education and research in this area. The new survey report by the JISC-led Strategic Content Alliance, ‘Digital Content for the First World War’, based on a study undertaken by King’s, addresses these questions for the benefit of people managing digital resources in universities, libraries and museums.

Europe takes up to 2 years to emerge from the crisis, analysts say Folha de Sao Paulo, 04 September 2012
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo,  European& International Studies, comments on the impact of the financial crisis in Spain. He said: ‘The rise in unemployment was actually very fast, but there has been a large reduction in immigration and many people, especially young people, are leaving Spain in search of jobs elsewhere.’

Who on Earth Was Ford Madox Ford? BBC Two, 01 September 2012
Professor Max Saunders,  English,discusses the life and works of Ford Madox Ford on The Culture Show.

Female vote 'essential' in US election,  BBC Radio 4, 29 August 2012
On Woman's Hour, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, discussed the appearance of Ann Romney at the Republican National Convention and the Republican party's perceived problem with women. 

Dr Boys on the US presidential election,  BBC Radio Wales, 28 August 2012

On the Good Morning Wales programme, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, profiled US presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, and previews the Republican National Convention in Florida. 

Isaac Storm Delays US Republican Convention, Sky News, 26 August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, presented a preview of the Republican National Convention, which was delayed due to the threat of a tropical storm heading to Florida. Dr Boys said the delayed Republican convention was helping to keep up interest in the elections and the Republicans. 

Ayn Rand, author and philosopher,  BBC Radio 4, 24 August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses the influence of author and philosopher, Ayn Rand, on American conservatism. Item starts at 00.11.15.

The role of religion in public life,  Voice of Russia, 23 August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, addressed the role of religion in public life.

Dr Boys on controversy surrounding Todd Akin,  Radio FM4 (Austria),22 August 2012 
In an interview with Radio FM4, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, addressed the recent comments of Senator Todd Akin, which claimed that victims of 'legitimate rape' were unlikely to become pregnant. He also discussed the impact these comments would have on the Republican Party's hopes for winning control of Congress. 

Are British workers among the worst idlers in the world?, BBC Radio Wales, 20 August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses a new book entitled 'Britannia Unchained', which suggests that British workers should adopt a similar work ethic to workers in the Far East. Dr Boys discussed the role of government in striking a balance between providing services such as welfare and benefit payments, whilst retaining a social responsibility to seek employment.

We Need To Talk... about Ryan, Assange, Iran and Pussy Riot,  The Commentator 17 August 2012
In a podcast with The Commentator, Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, addresses US vice-presidential candidate, Paul Ryan, the events surrounding Julian Assange and the verdict of the Pussy Riot trial.

Economic spring can slake thirst of young,  The National (UAE), 17 August 2012
Ghanem Nuseibeh , Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, writes about how the turmoil in the Arab world has allowed the issue of youth employment to fall into neglect. He said: ‘Unemployment and, more specifically, youth unemployment have not received the attention they deserve from policymakers.’ 

Mitt Romney's VP candidate,  Sky News, 11 August 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discussed the selection of Congressman Paul Ryan as Mitt Romney's vice presidential candidate. Dr Boys also spoke to The women who saw, knew and meant too much,  Times Higher Education, 02 August 2012
Davina Quinlivan, Film Studies, on 'The Genius of Hitchcock' season at the British Film Institute, which runs until October.

London's cultural appeal holds its own in global survey,  Financial Times, 02 August 2012
An international survey of the arts, theatre and cultural offerings by Professor Andy Pratt, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, in collaboration with BOP Consulting, has found that the UK capital is almost top with regard to numbers of museums and art galleries. The story was also reported in The Independent.

The 1215 King John Inquiry and its modern-day relevance ,  BBC Radio 4, 30 July 2012
Professor David Carpenter, History, draws parallels between the Leveson Inquiry and the 1215 King John Inquiry, on The Long View.

British Academy Fellowships,  30 July 2012
Two King's academics have been elected to the British Academy in recognition of their outstanding research – Professor Richard Dyer, Department of Film Studies; and Professor Martin Stokes, Music. Professor Stokes said: It's a real honour to be elected to the British Academy and I'm delighted, as well as being humbled by the company I will be keeping.’

Newspaper Review, Monocle24 Radio, 26 July 2012    
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, discusses Mitt Romney's visit to London, his £50,000 ticket reception in Mayfair, Barclay's fundraising efforts on his behalf, Republican concerns over David Cameron's closeness with Barack Obama, and finally, the flying of the South Korean flag at the North Korean Olympic football match.

King's student discovers lost writings of Katherine Mansfield, 26 July 2012
Chris Mourant, studying for a PhD in the English Department, has uncovered four previously unseen stories by Katherine Mansfield, one of which provides a fascinating insight into a turbulent period in her personal life. The story was reported in the Guardian, The Independent and New York Daily News and also received media attention in New Zealand, where she grew up, with mentions on Radio New Zealand, and in New Zealand Herald.

Woman's Hour BBC Radio 4, 23 July 2012
Professor Edith Hall, Classics, talks about Atalanta, the first fictional tom-boy character from Greek mythology.

Spain's protest movement grows, morphs as cuts bite , Reuters, 19 July 2012
In an article for Reuters about the growth of a protest movement against the centre-right Spanish government, Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, said: 'It has gone beyond an ideological issue... and it's moved beyond the traditional groups that demonstrate. We have seen even the military threatening a demonstration.' The story was picked up by CNBC, Yahoo UK/Ireland, Mexico and India, and El Economista (Spain).

The Globalist  Radio Monocle 24, 16 July 2012
Dr James D. Boys, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, took part in ‘The Globalist’ – Monocle’s take on the day from a team of editors and studio guests, plus reports from around the world and news.

'Sex-testing' regulations flawed and should be withdrawn, 06 July 2012
Research led by Dr Silvia Camporesi, Centre for the Humanities and Health, has found that ‘sex-testing’ policies introduced for athletes in time for the London Olympic Games are significantly flawed and should be withdrawn. The story was reported by The Guardian, Science Daily (USA) and International Science Times (USA).

LA gangs, Arab feminists, and learning Classics ,  The Spectator, 06 July 2012 
Professor Edith Hall, Classics, discusses the relevance of Classics today, and questions why the subject is granted higher importance abroad than in the UK.

Priceless archive under threat Time Out, 28 June 2012

In an article about the risk to archived artefacts from the female suffrage movement, Professor Pat Thane, History, said that further research into this area would be much harder to do if the sources were scattered in different places.

‘Nazi’ far right lurks in dawn of new Greece The Australian, 23 June 2012
On the topic of the rise of far right party Golden Dawn in Greece, Dr. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, commented that it was ‘wishful thinking that they will go away.’

China and Britain: tension over the Dalai Lama's visit to the UK Voice of Russia, 19^th June 2012
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, comments on Beijing using its 'diplomatic muscle' to withdraw it's pre-Olympic training camp in Leeds if that city does not put pressure to stop the Dalai Lama speaking. He said: 'It is important to understand domestic politics in China to comprehend the pressure that Chinese officials are facing.' 

King’s joins forces with IPPR to address Higher Education future14 June 2012

King’s has joined forces with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) to host a year-long series of lectures that will tackle critical issues facing Britain’s university sector. Dr Jon Wilson, History, who is leading the collaboration, said: 'The seminar series aims to open the debate on higher education and get people with different perspectives together to argue about the future of universities. The clash of ideas will be exciting – but I also hope we can find some common ground

Jorge Amado para europeus  O Globo (Brazil), 11 June 2012
A piece reporting on a recent seminar held at the British Library on the works of writer Jorge Amado. Professor David Treece, Spanish, Portuguese & Latin American Studies, took part in the event along with colleagues from other London universities.

Spain's debt woes fuelled by regional government overspending CNN International, 11 June 2012
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, commented on continued economic crisis in Spain, and lack of control over regional governments, saying: 'The central government distributes funds but it has no say how it's to be spent.' Dr Pacheco Pardo was interviewed for Quest Means Business and World Business Today programmes.

Are online aliases ever justified in academic debate?Guardian (Web), 07 June 2012
Simon Tanner, Digital Humanities, talks about sock puppets having an impact on academic discourse. 

Doctor Bird is making news Daily Mail (Scotland), 07 June 2012
Professor Dame Janet Nelson, History, is to be awarded an honorary doctorate by Glasgow University.

Quest Means Business CNN International, 06 June 2012
Speaking about Spain's banking crisis, Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, comments: 'The problem with the Spanish banks is that we don't know how bad they are. The situation is much worse than expected, but it's not as bad as Greece or Ireland for example.'  Also reported by BBC Brasil and UOL/Folha de Sao Paulo. 

Raising The Curtain: William Shakespeare's first theatre uncovered in east London Mirror Online, 06 June 2012
Shakespeare experts have hailed the 'thrilling' discovery of remains of the predecessor to The Globe theatre, known as The Curtain Theatre . Dr Sonia Massai , English, said of the audiences that would have atte nded The Curtain: 'There would have been a mix - but they would have been citizens, rather than gentlemen, who would have gone to indoor theatres. There was a real cross-section of society.'

News at Ten ITV 1, 01 June 2012
On the weekend of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Professor David Carpenter, History, spoke about modern perceptions of the British monarchy and commented: ‘I think this very personal to the Queen.’

A legacy of the Lionheart BBC History Magazine, 01 June 2012
Professor David Carpenter, History, reveals why medieval kings from Richard I sought to enhance the glory of monarchy by dating documents with the 'regnal year'.

Appointments Times Higher Education, 01 June 2012
Professor Paul Joyce will join Theology & Religious Studies in September as the Samuel Davidson Chair of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible studies.

Today ProgrammeBBC Radio 4, 28 May 2012
Professor Edith Hall, Classics, said that odes were originally written in ancient Greece to celebrate Olympic athletes. She explained that winners of athletic competitions received a wreath of leaves, a statue of themselves and an ode.  

Classical releases The Observer, 20 May 2012
The new CD of Allegri Motets and Masses performed by the King's Chapel Choir was released earlier this month; and the Guardian review states: ' David Trendell 's fine choir glows with warmth and commitment.'

Betting against markets of Spain threatens to deepen the crisis BBC Brasil, 18 May 2012
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, comments: 'With the deepening crisis in Greece, the markets are speculating about which country would be the next to collapse. The problems of the Spanish banking system have turned the country into an easy target.' Also reported by Folha de Sao Paulo (Brazil).

Things Ain't What They Used To Be  BBC Radio 4, 15 May 2012
In a programme examining the persistent popularity of 'declinism', the idea that individuals and society are not as good as they used to be, Professor of Classics Edith Hall explains that the trend has been part of society since the Ancient Greeks. She also commented: ‘We start off in Golden Age and decline into the dreaded Iron Age, where we have disease, depravity and no moral fibre at all.’

So you want to be the new Brian Cox? … How to become a celebrity academic The Guardian , 14 May 2012
Dr Bettany Hughes, Classics, comments on how academics can get in on media action, saying: 'Expect to work hard; I've never done a radio or TV programme that's involved less than a 12 to 14 hour day. The mental gymnastics needed to condense your thinking are really testing.'

Teenage girls face ‘sexting’ threat from friends   14 May 2012
A report led by Professor Rosalind Gill , Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries, has revealed the level that ‘sexting’ has reached among teenagers. Schoolgirls are facing increasing pressure to provide sexually explicit pictures of themselves, a threat that appears to come from friends and peers rather than strangers. The story was reported by BBC News, Daily Mail and Times of India. 

The King and the Playwright  BBC4, 10 May 2012
Professor Gordon McMullan, English, spoke about Shakespeare and early modern theatre and culture.  

Collective Spirit afloat  08 May 2012
A boat marking the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad was launched this week by Gregg Whelan, Creative Research Fellow at King's, and his project colleague, Gary Winters. The 30-foot sailing boat has been created from hundreds of wooden objects donated by people from across the South East, including a tiny piece of the Mary Rose, a sliver of Jimi Hendrix' guitar, a plank from the new London 2012 velodrome and a Victorian policeman's truncheon. The story was reported by BBC, The Sun, The Daily Mirror, The Telegraph, CNN, NBC, Huffington Post, and MSN UK.

Campus comes alive with summer lecture series Times of India (Mumbai), 06 May 2012
A profile of the King’s Summer School in Mumbai, mentioning Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, who is teaching on the course. He said that most students had done their reading and ‘were tracking news and global development very closely.’ One of the students interviewed about the course said: ‘I gained insight into many topics that are globally so crucial. I wasn’t spoon-fed; communication wasn’t one way and the course was on real issues.’

How to export the principals of the peace process The Irish Times, 05 May 2012
Professor Rory Miller, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, writes on whether the Northern Ireland model can be exported to help resolve divisions elsewhere. 'My experience tells me that the real lesson of the Northern Ireland model for the Middle East is that regional and external actors have an important role to play as intermediaries and guarantors but only if they are willing to abandon self-interested motives and harness their resources and political capital in the interests of peace,' he says.

Greece: who are the neo-Nazi party's "Golden Dawn"?
Le Monde, 05 May 2012
A piece on the rise of neo-Nazis in Greece following elections on Sunday. Dr Stathis Kouvelakis, French, said: 'Golden Dawn is organized into squads that specialize in physical attacks immigrants and leftists.'

Desperate Sarkozy in pitch for fascist vote
Socialist Worker , 05 May 2012
Dr Jim Wolfreys, French, writes a piece on President Sarkozy's attempts to gain support from the far-right in France, following the success of the Front National in the first round of the elections.

My space: George Benjamin (Composer), The Times, 05 May 2012
A piece on the daily life of Professor George Benjamin, Music, in advance of his involvement in the London 2012 Festival at the Southbank Centre.

Power to the people The Guardian, 03 May 2012
In an article about Argentina expropriating its oil from speculators, Professor Richard Drayton, History, writes 'a democratic government can stop predatory financiers while not scaring away new investors'. 

PM BBC Radio 4, 03 May 2012
Dr Jim Wolfreys, French, provided an analysis of the televised debate, between the two remaining candidates for the French presidential election, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, noting: 'Sarkozy was calling for businesses to remain competitive, whilst Hollande said there is a need for austerity and growth. These are familiar left and right arguments that we see in other European countries'.

Boulton & Co Sky News , 03 May 2012
Commenting on the hostility between the two candidates in the French presidential TV debate, Dr Jim Wolfreys, French, said: 'On the one hand there is clear animosity between the candidates, but it demonstrates how high the stakes are'.

Five big questions of The British Empire: What impact did the American Revolutionary War have on the British Empire? BBC Knowledge, 
02 May 2012
Emeritus Professor of Imperial History, Peter Marshall, talks about identity within the British Empire; and Dr Sarah Stockwell, Senior Lecturer in Imperial & Commonwealth History, comments on decolonisation.   

Mary Beard Classicist with the common touch The Observer,
29 April 2012
Professor Mary Beard, a Cambridge academic and presenter of new BBC2 series, Meet the Romans, lectured in Classics at King's from 1979 to 1983.

Creative industries link up at Cr8net Guardian (Web), 27 April 2012
At the Cr8net conference, Professor Andy C Pratt, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, was echoed by many of the speakers, quoting: 'Failure is great. Without failures you don't have successes'.

'Overreacting' managers take impact too far, debate hears Times Higher Education Supplement (Web) 26 April 2012
The overreaction of university managers to the impact agenda is narrowing the kinds of research scholars feel able to carry out, academics have warned. Professor Ann Thompson, English, commented managers' injunction to academics to pursue 'the kind of research that brings in money' meant 'you can't let your best staff go off and do what they want' because they might not generate enough case studies.

Why Shakespeare is … Italian The Guardian (blog), 25 April 2012
Dr Sonia Massai, English, writes about Shakespeare's love affair with Italy.

The World Tonight BBC Radio 4, 24 April 2012
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, commented in a debate about gender issues in the Arab world. A female Arab writer has claimed claims that the Arab world 'hates women’; however Professor Al-Rasheed commented that 'the word ‘hate’ is an overreaction'.

What does thinking feel like? New Scientist, 24 April 2012
In a review of the exhibition 'Between: Embodiment and Identity' at the Inigo Rooms, Somerset House East Wing, the journalist commented: 'A provocative exhibition of well-chosen films, prints and curios, Between left me thinking just what it means to be human in an increasingly medicalised world.'

Conspiracies and the legacy of empire The Guardian, 23 April 2012
Professor Richard Drayton, History, notes that the FCO's claim that the Migrated Archives contains no British Guiana material is implausible.

Start the Week BBC Radio 4, 23 April 2012
Professor George Benjamin, Music, says he lives in an imaginary world of the music he knows and loves, and that’s where he draws his inspiration from. He talks about his work and the influences on it and the years he spent in Paris under the tutelage of Messiaen, years that were the most profound and revelatory of his life. There is a short excerpt from his opera Into the Little Hill – a re-working of the Pied Piper story.

King's College opens Mumbai school Garavi Gujarat, 21 April 2012
King’s has launched its first international summer school programme for Indian students in Mumbai. Also reported by the Education Times (Times of India). 

Will Hill's top 10 vampires Guardian (Web), 20 April 2012
Alumnus Will Hill , History ,  picks his favourite bloodsuckers in fiction and popular culture.

In Our Time BBC Radio 4, 19 April 2012
Professor Peter Adamson, Philosophy, comments on Neoplatonism; describing the life of Plotinus, a major philosopher of the ancient world.

The secret archives of Britain's colonial rulers The Times, 19 April 2012
In a letter to the editor, Professor Richard Drayton  ,  History  ,   notes that the FCO's claim that the Migrated Archives contains no British Guiana material is implausible.

The US President who nearly never was The Times, 18 April 2012
Professor Richard Drayton, Rhodes Professor of Imperial History, comments on British colonial archives recently released, commenting that historians are increasingly sceptical about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's claim to have released all the material it holds. Also featured in the Guardian online and Al Jazeera.

Titanic Folklore Exposed  ABC News 15 April 2012
Dr Richard Howells, from Culture, Media & Creative Industries, says the reality of the event has become distorted, as people’s knowledge of the notorious liner is based on cultural anecdotes rather than historical and scientific fact. Also reported by BBC Magazine and Folha de Sao Paulo. To read more on this story, please visit the King’s news webpages.

Morpurgo: fame & fortune Telegraph (Web), 14 April 2012
Alumnus Michael Morpurgo writes about his childhood and rise to fame.

Nuclear talks: High stakes but low expectations The Irish Times, 
11 April 2012
Professor Rory Miller, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, said that talks between Iran and the West in Istanbul will have achieved a lot even if they only manage to ease tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.

‘This idea of “was God a girl?” has got out. People are getting hot under the collar’ The Times, 07 April 2012
Bettany Hughes, Classics, is hosting a new television series on women who have wielded power through religion. The series was also reported by The Huffington Post (UK). 

Five Titanic myths spread by films BBC News, 05 April 2012
Dr Richard Howells, Culture, Media and Creative Industries, says the assertion that the Titanic was ‘unsinkable’ is one of the most notable myths surrounding the disaster and it was only told in retrospect as it made for a better story.

BBC News Channel, 03 April 2012
Dr Eliza Filby, History, said that as a result of the Falklands War, Margaret Thatcher’s popularity went up hugely and her subsequent election win allowed her to embark on radical domestic reforms.

On my radar The Observer, 01 April 2012
Poet and playwright Inua Ellam said he is looking forward to reading The Spider King’s Daughter by King’s History student Chibundu Onuzo.

The virtual and real worlds collide at FACT in Liverpool
Wired.co.uk, 27 March 2012
Michael Takeo Magruder, Digital Humanities, is exhibiting his work on virtual worlds in the Robots and Avatars exhibition at FACT in Liverpool.

How God made the English BBC 2, 21 March 2012
Professor Richard Drayton, History, said that when Britain began ‘policing’ the ocean by stopping slavery in the early 19th century, it was technically breaking international law by boarding vessels and taking cargo (item starts 42:30).

No Saudi Spring Real Clear World (USA), 21 March 2012
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, said that if the Arab Spring spreads to Saudi Arabia it will likely be in the form of violent revolution rather than nonviolent protests.

Lessons of history are not taught Irish Independent, 18 March 2012
Professor Rory Miller, Middle East & Mediterranean Studies, said that Irish bias against Israel could be defined as an 'unthinking, visceral attachment to Palestinian suffering'.

Saudi Arabia and Syria: logic of dictators Open Democracy, 20 March 2012
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, said that Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian uprising is in stark contrast to its reaction to protests in Tunisia, Egypt and Bahrain.

Our leaders need to rediscover the art of statecraft New Statesman, 
19 March 2012
Dr Jon Wilson, History, said politicians now believe the only way to fix a problem is by making laws or spending or cutting money.

Analysts assess motives in French shootings  Voice of America, 
22 March 2012
Dr Marat Shterin, Theology & Religious Studies, said that the political tensions over immigrant groups in France may not be to blame for this week’s violence. He suggested that Islamic militancy might have been behind the shootings.

Saudi women slowly advance cultural change  Voice of America, 
10 March 2012
Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Theology & Religious Studies, said that recent minor protests for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia are not representative of a revolution in gender equality in the country. 

‘Brain candy’ is hard to swallow Times Higher Education, 08 March 2012 
Dr Lucy Kostyanovsky (Wooding), History, reviewed a book on how the Reformation inadvertently caused a more secular society. 

What makes radicals turn violent? The Tablet, 03 March 2012
Dr Marat Shterin,  Theology & Religious Studies, said that if governments treat emerging peaceful movements with the wrong approach then such groups can turn to violence. 

Cool but cruel: Creative industries’ toxic fallout Times Higher Education,
01 March 2012 
Professor Rosalind Gill, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, says society needs to look beyond the traditional images of creative workers as ‘cool’ or ‘unconventional’ and recognise that the sector consists of poorly paid work and long hours. 

Alister McGrath Woman Alive, 01 March 2012
Professor Alister McGrath, Theology and Religious Studies, says leaders in Christianity need to think how they present themselves and the wider faith to the general public in a positive way.

WikiLeaks, Anonymous and the ‘shadow CIA’  Channel 4 News  , 27 February 2012 
Dr Tim Jordan, Digital Humanities, said that there is a battle within the hacking group Anonymous between those who believe in releasing all material they acquire straight away with no editing and those who believe in a more targeted approach of certain information in order to make it more politically effective. 

Cuts could undermine creative industries’ contribution to the economy Guardian Professional, 27 February 2012 
Professor Andy Pratt, Culture, Media & Creative Industries, says the creative sector is often seen as a ‘Cinderella industry’ without a real impact on the economy, but that risk, innovation and experimentation is required to deliver success. 

Campus round-up Times Higher Education, 23 February 2012 
Paul Spence, Digital Humanities, is working with the University of Winchester to digitise important records from medieval England that will allow researchers to explore the landed society of the era.

London’s Globe Theatre celebrates first two PhDs BBC News, 
23 February 2012 
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre has awarded its first doctoral degree in collaboration with King’s to Sarah Dustagheer, a PhD student in English who researched the relationship between theatre space and playwriting. 

Dickens' tales scarily relevant in our bleak times San Francisco Chronicle, 19 February 2012 
Jo Robinson, a graduate student in English researching Dickens, comments on why the author’s writing is still relevant today, in a piece about the 200th anniversary celebrations. ‘He's an incredibly vivid writer. He has such an array of characters and there's so much to get out of him. Each generation sees it in their own way,’ she said. 

A tale of two doctors Times Higher Education, 16 February 2012 
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre has awarded its first doctoral degree in collaboration with King’s to Sarah Dustagheer, a PhD student in English who researched the relationship between theatre space and playwriting. 

La suerte del Euro CNN en Español, 15 February 2012 
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, said that the young people are who leaving Southern Europe to look for work should be staying to improve the economies of their own countries in the longer term, in an interview on the latest developments with the European economic crisis. 

Glory and greed of the last royal Diamond Jubilee Daily Express, 
12 February 2012 
Mike Humphries, History, says landlords and business made significant amounts of money by letting their premises in London during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. 

Will the ‘girl effect’ really help to combat poverty? The Guardian, 
10 February 2012 
Dr Ofra Koffman, Culture, Media and Creative Industries, said that the drive to focus on adolescent girls as a means to tackle poverty in developing countries may not work, as there does not seem to be a strong connection between early childbearing and a country’s economic standing. 

News Al Jazeera (English), 9 February 2012 
Dr Ramon Pacheco Pardo, European & International Studies, comments on news that Baltasar Garzon, one of Spain's best known judges, has been convicted for wiretapping. 

I speak code Star (Malaysia), 08 February 2012 
Niki Cheong, a Cultural, Media and Creative Industries student, said that learning coding has given her a better understanding of how computers and the Internet work. 

Dickens admirers mark bicentenary 
On the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth (07 February 2012) Professor Clare Pettitt, English, said he was a very modern writer whose keenness for contemporary culture and communications technology meant he would have loved Twitter! Professor Pettitt’s analysis was reported by CNN International and CNN Mexico and was syndicated to local US news websites. She was also interviewed by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. Jo Robinson, an English graduate student, said that Dickens is an incredibly vivid writer with an impressive array of characters. Her comments were reported by AP and featured in The Guardian and widely in international media including the New Zealand Herald and CBS News. 

“She values self-sacrifice” Metro (Netherlands), 07 February 2012 
Professor Richard Vinen, History, said the Queen continues to believe in self-sacrifice and avoids expressing her opinions in public. 

One Minute With: Lisa Appignanesi, cultural historian The Independent, 03 February 2012 
Lisa Appignanesi, Honorary Professor in Literature and Medical Humanities, said she is currently reading multiple novels as she is judging the Orange prize and her broadcasting commitments are one of the distractions she has from writing. 

Appointments Times Higher Education, 02 February 2012 
King’s has appointed Professor Julia Crick as Professor of Palaeography and Manuscript Studies in the School of Arts and Humanities. 

An infectious addiction Times Higher Education, 02 February 2012 
Davina Quinlivan, Film Studies, wrote a film review of A Dangerous Method and talks about the turn from 'body horror' to a focus on psychoanalysis. 

To what extent did the people of Britain and the empire see themselves as being part of a single British people? BBC History Magazine, 
01 February 2012 
Emeritus Professor Peter Marshall, History, said that although a strong sense of common British identity among people in Australia, Canada and New Zealand continued into the 20th century, it did not stop these places developing distinctive identities of their own. 

Corfu 1864 BBC History Magazine, 01 February 2012 
Professor Robert Holland, Centre for Hellenic Studies, offered a guide to what it might have been like to visit Corfu in 1864, recommending avoiding arguments with the locals, the spicy cuisine and to visit before the British hand over control to Greece.

Study Russia in London Russia beyond the Headlines, 24 January 2012 
Dr Marat Shterin, Theology & Religious Studies, who is involved in setting up the Russia Institute at King’s, said that the Institute will be engaged in a range of research, educational and public activities and will run Masters and Doctoral programmes. His interview also appeared in ‘Study India and Russia in London’. 

Questions, Questions BBC Radio 4, 17 January 2012 
Dr Katherine Foxhall, History, said Victorian medical professionals often prescribed beer to patients, believing it to be nutritious and safer than drinking water due to the fermentation process (item starts at 25:27).