I’m a UK journalist writing two books for Routledge exploring the psychology of my trade. I’m also a freelance sub-editor at The Sun.

I’ve a PhD in psychoanalytic studies and a master’s degree in media. The former, awarded by the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (PPS) at the University of Essex, evaluates contemporary UK tabloid newspapers from a post-Jungian perspective. I studied psychoanalytic theory and analytical (Jungian) psychology at master’s level in preparation for my PhD. My earlier media MA dissertation at Nottingham Trent University identifies archetypal news stories.

I was a staff national newspaper journalist for 30 years, becoming Chief Production Editor of the now defunct News of the World. Staff elected me as a pensions trustee for several years and the National Union of Journalists awarded me life membership.

I created and ran a media communications consultancy which taught headline-writing in Jamaica and newspaper design in China. I also media-coached Parliamentary aides and executives from several major companies.

After leaving newspapers I became a university lecturer, leading the inaugural undergraduate journalism programme at the University of Bedfordshire. I later joined the journalism department at City, University of London where I created and delivered a prize-winning multimedia module. I was also an external examiner for journalism BA and MA courses at the University of Westminster before leaving to undertake my PhD. After gaining my doctorate I was appointed a visiting fellow at PPS for three years.

I’m @journodoc on Threads and Bluesky, and am best searched for as “James Alan Anslow”.