Professor Brock became Professor and Head of Journalism at City University in September 2009.

He began his reporting career at the Yorkshire Evening Press and The Observer, joining The Times in 1981. After starting at The Times as a feature writer, he became a features editor and, in 1984, op-ed page editor.

He was foreign editor, Brussels bureau chief, European Editor, Managing Editor, Saturday Editor and most recently International Editor in a 28-year career at the newspaper.

He is a board member of the World Editors Forum and a member of the British committee of the International Press Institute. He broadcasts and lectures frequently and reviews for the Times Literary Supplement.