Coventry Conversations returns for a new run this month and sees some familiar names in the line-up.

The new series, which starts on Thursday 20 January, has been organised in conjunction with The Herbert and begins with a talk on 'working the media' with two of Coventry University's most quoted academics; Professors Chadwick and Bailey.

Other guests lined up include: Jim White from the Daily Telegraph, Darren Parkin, Editor of the Coventry Telegraph, Broadcaster Andy Kershaw and Jon Snow, the Channel Four news anchor.

The talks will be held either in the Ellen Terry building of Coventry University or in The Herbert every Thursday and Friday at 1pm.

As well as being a valuable resource for media students at the University, they also provide the general public with an insightful look into the world of the media.

Amongst the other proposed conversationalists are Phil Riley from Mercia Radio and Steve Orchard from Touch FM. They will be talking about local radio and its place on the airwaves. Keeping with the local theme, popular broadcaster Trish Adudu from BBC Coventry and Warwickshire will be talking about her career in both TV and radio.

The talks were devised and organised by Coventry University media lecturer, John Mair who says that they are more than just lectures:

"Since we started 2006, the University has welcomed more than 300 guests from the world of media and staged 250 Coventry Conversations.

"They have established Coventry University as a firm staging post on the media circuit and the feedback I get from the guests is that they genuinely enjoy coming to talk here.

"I am delighted that this term sees the start of a more regular appearance of The Herbert as a venue for some of the talks. The support they have given, and continue to give, is very much appreciated."

For more information about Coventry University, please visit their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk