Sir Harold Evans

Respected journalism chief Sir Harold Evans has been recognised for his outstanding achievements in journalism, literature and broadcasting, nationally and internationally.

During Sir Harold's 14 year tenure as editor of The Sunday Times from 1967, he was responsible for the publication's crusading style of investigative reporting, which exposed the spy Kim Philby and won justice for the children affected by Thalidomide.

Following Rupert Murdoch's acquisition of Times Newspapers Ltd in 1981, Sir Harold was named editor of The Times and served for a year, before resigning due to policy differences relating to editorial independence.

University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Adrian Graves said: "Sir Harold wholeheartedly deserves this tribute, and we are privileged to welcome him as an honorary member of the University of Salford.

"Throughout his illustrious career he has demonstrated great talent, commitment and integrity. With his strong roots in Salford, and our new facility at MediaCityUK due to open later this year, his degree at Salford is of particular significance."

Born in Patricroft, Eccles, in Salford, Sir Harold left school at 15 and rose through the ranks at the Manchester Evening News. Since his high-profile roles at The Times and the Sunday Times, he has written two best-selling histories, and his memoir My Paper Chase.

Sir Harold became an American citizen in 1993, and lives in New York with his wife and two children. He was knighted for services to journalism in 2004.