BBC sports editor Dan Roan was back on home soil this week to receive an honorary fellowship from the University of Northampton.
Fresh from covering England’s FIFA World Cup exploits, Roan was at the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology graduation ceremony at the Royal & Derngate on Wednesday.
Roan was born in Northampton and his first job in journalism was as an assistant to his father – a photographer – and for a local press agency.
In recent years he has led BBC News coverage from football World Cups and European Championships, the London and Rio Olympics, rugby’s Lions tour, the Ashes cricket series and athletics’ World Championships, among many others.
He has also interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, securing exclusives with Sir Bradley Wiggins, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, Usain Bolt, Bernie Ecclestone, Chris Froome and Anthony Joshua.
Roan was born in Northampton and his first job in journalism was as an assistant to his father – a photographer
Roan, sports editor since 2014, has worked with journalism students at the University of Northampton, sharing his knowledge and passion for broadcasting and sport. He continues to be involved in local sport, writing a regular column for the matchday programme for Northampton Town Football Club.
Marc Webber, leader of the multimedia sports journalism course at the university, said: “Dan has led from the front in sports journalism with his incisive coverage of global sport on many platforms over a number of years. It is great to see this Northamptonian honoured by the university for his work.
“He has made a significant contribution to the way we consume stories about sport and has opened a window on issues off-the-pitch to a wider TV audience. His storytelling skills know no bounds.
“Whether it be interviewing high-profile guests on complicated corruption in sport through to sharing the joy of England’s World Cup journey this year, Dan has always been able to engage audiences.
I know my students learn from his current work and aspire to reach his standards. And I know the people of Northampton will be proud that one of their own is ‘coming home’ to be honoured in a town that bleeds sporting passion and ability.”