Dave Chesney – chairman

Dave joined as chairman in 2011. Born and bred in Essex, Dave spent 21 years in banking and finance, working the in City of London and Canary Wharf towers. In 2008 he was ordained as an Anglican Priest and is currently serving in a church in London’s East End.  Dave enjoys cycling, cinema and watching most sports. Married to Sarah, they have two teenage daughters.

 

 

Vivienne Pattison

Vivienne came to Mediawatch-UK after 17 years in the book publishing industry. It was concern for the media that her children were exposed to which led her to Mediawatch-UK and made her think seriously about the media in this country.

“I spent 17 years in the publishing industry and working with many of the big publishers. I was in touch with journalists, producers and editors on a daily basis and so I know how the media works and I also understand how the pressure to increase market share can lead to boundaries being pushed and inappropriate, unacceptable and harmful material being produced.”

a

 

Sam Burnett

Sam is a former journalist and has worked in various capacities with charities and young people.

“The work of Mediawatch-UK is on the front line of standing up to an indifferent media and protecting our children. I hope to see more and more young people being empowered to stand up for what they believe in and influencing the world.”

 

 

Pauline Webborn                 

“I joined as Promotions & Development Manager in 2007. As a mother of three children, I am committed to campaigning to improve the protection of children from violent and obscene images both on television and the internet.

It is not enough to help children know what to do when they have come across such images, we must consider the protection of our children from such material ‘that might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of persons under the age of eighteen‘ – as defined by the latest regulations.

To some degree we may be seen trying to shut the gate after the horse has bolted, in relation to children growing up today. However I believe we must work hard to ensure that children of tomorrow have adequate protection from potentially harmful media.”

 

 

 

Marion McMillan

Marion hails from Yorkshire and is married with a grown up daughter. She now lives in Leicestershire where she works as a Family Learning Coordinator in local schools; a role which gives her first hand experience of the effect of the media on families and the important role Mediawatch-UK plays in highlighting these issues. Marion’s hobbies include gardening, reading, cooking for friends, crosswords and travel.

 

 

Jo Lamb

Jo is originally from Hampshire and now lives with her husband in Kent. “Having maintained an interest in politics and current affairs for many years, I graduated from Birmingham University with a European politics degree and a desire to engage in public debates. Passionate about written and visual media, I believe wholeheartedly in the power of words and images to inform and grow our society; not defile and seduce it.

The media has gained more influence over our society than many would have ever imagined, and to take a stand against its potential harm is an eye-opening and inspirational opportunity. It is a great privilege to be part of Mediawatch-UK.”