Leading political editors and senior newsroom leaders have been confirmed to speak at the Society of Editors’ upcoming Future of News conference.
Taking place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London on 17 March 2026, the conference will bring together more than 200 editors and news executives from across the UK’s national, regional, broadcast and digital media for a full day of debate, discussion and practical insight on the biggest challenges and opportunities facing journalism.
The first confirmed speakers include Chris Mason, Political Editor at the BBC; Sam Greenhill, Chief Reporter at the Daily Mail; Sarah Whitehead, Director of Newsgathering and Operations at Sky News; Steve Hendrix, London Bureau Chief at The Washington Post; Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor at The Sunday Times; Ros Atkins, Analysis Editor for BBC News; Sharon Marshall, Journalist and Scriptwriter; Natalie Fahy, Regional Editor-in-Chief at Reach plc; Ben Fishwick, Editor at the Southern Daily Echo; Rebecca Camber, Crime and Security Editor at the Daily Mail and John Battle, Head of Legal and Compliance at ITN.
This year’s programme will feature a series of panel discussions focused on the real pressures facing editors and reporters today, and the decisions newsrooms are having to make at pace. Sessions will include reporting politics in the UK, the future of investigations and campaigning journalism and how to fund it, reporting war in the age of disinformation and verification and what US politics can teach UK editors about managing access, narrative control and audience trust in an increasingly fragmented media environment.
The conference will also include a panel on the relationship between the police and the press, exploring practical challenges around access, safety, legal risk and day-to-day newsroom realities, as well as a session examining how film, TV and popular culture shape public attitudes to journalism and the role of reporters in public life. The Editors’ Panel will also be returning and will hear from some of the most experienced editors and news leaders across the UK.
Announcing the first confirmed speakers, Dawn Alford, Chief Executive of the Society of Editors, said: “Future of News is designed to be practical and relevant for working editors, while also offering lively debate and fresh perspective. Delegates will hear directly from some of the UK’s most experienced political and newsroom leaders and will leave with tangible insight into the changing pressures on modern journalism, from verification and safety to trust and access. We are delighted to announce our first confirmed speakers and look forward to welcoming the industry on 17 March.”
Further speakers will be announced in the coming days. The Future of News conference sells out each year, and early booking is strongly recommended. Early bird tickets are available until 7 February 2026. To secure a place, contact office@societyofeditors.org.
