A former ITV producer has been awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Wolverhampton. Vidar Hjardeng MBE studied languages at Manchester University before completing a postgraduate journalism course at London’s City University. Diversity consultant for ITV News, he spent 25 years as editor/executive producer for ITV.
Vidar is Associate with the Business Disability Forum, a University Guest Lecturer and a Motivational Speaker.
He has reviewed audio-described theatre, opera/ballet performances and audio books for publications including The Book Magazine, Disability Now and Connect Radio. He is a trustee with Performances Birmingham, The Birmingham Hippodrome, SHAPE Arts, Leonard Cheshire Disability, and currently chairs the Audio Description Association.
Vidar said, "I would like to thank the University of Wolverhampton for this great honour, but this should not be about me but rather about giving special recognition to the issue of Diversity and Inclusion.
“Whenever I have visited the University, I have always been impressed by the positive attitude I have found amongst both students and staff when it comes to Diversity, and that means not just talking about it, but doing something positive which can make such a difference to people's lives.
“Moreover, although I am clearly extremely flattered to have been awarded this Honour, I believe that it also acknowledges the contributions of all those people with whom I've been privileged to work over the years in both my paid and voluntary roles as it's been very much a team effort!"
Vidar also chairs the Wolverhampton Grand and Arena theatres' joint access forum as well as the New Street Station Access Forum. Vidar has chaired the national audio-description charity VocalEyes, as well as Virgin Train’s Passengers’ Panel and spent over ten years as an RNIB Board Member.
