The new Managing Director of the Independent, Christian Broughton and John Whittingdale, the Minister for Media and Data are to conclude the Society of Editors (SoE) Virtual Conference in December.
Christian Broughton, who was appointed to the MD role in October after almost five years as editor of the national newspaper website, will close the SoE conference with a final In Discussion With… talk on Thursday 3 December at 12 noon in association with the London Press Club.
The former Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale MP is currently leading plans for the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists and can also can speak to issues such as the importance of media freedom during the pandemic, Online Harms legislation and the role of public service broadcasters. The Minister will speak at the penultimate In Discussion With… talk on Tuesday 1 December at 12 noon.
Looking to the discussions the executive director of the SoE, Ian Murray said the talks would present an opportunity to hear first-hand the perspectives of the national news media and government following a year when reliance on trusted news brands to convey and analyse public health messaging was never more vital.
“With advertising revenue taking a hit during the pandemic yet online audiences soaring, this will be a fascinating opportunity to hear of how The Independent has adapted during these challenging times. This talk will offer an insight into Christian Broughton’s own plans for the future of the Indy after spending years steering its digital transformation,” Murray said.
“From news sites fighting for an exemption to the Online Harms Bill to ensuring there is adequate protection for our journalists facing abuse, I am delighted that the Society will also be holding a conversation with the Media Minister to gain an insight into how the government perceives its relationship and role in working with the news media.
“With stellar speakers joining the virtual finale, once again the Society’s annual conference is proving itself the must-attend media event of the year,” he added.
Free booking is now open for both In Discussion with sessions here.
Details of all the Society’s remaining conference debates – which includes a session on the State of Training with the NCTJ and a debate on Information in Lockdown – can be found here.
Read more about our speakers.
