Andrew Dagnell, Head of Newsgathering at ITV News, is the fourth panellist to confirm to take part in a joint debate being staged by the Society of Editors and the Association of British Science Writers next week.

The free to join discussion will look at the roles of political and science journalists covering the Covid-19 pandemic.

The debate will aim to explore how the story of the pandemic crisis has been covered in both the print and broadcast media.

Ian Murray, executive director of the SoE will chair the discussion. Confirmed panellists also include Pallab Ghosh, BBC Science Correspondent and ABSW honorary president, and Fiona Fox, chief executive of the Science Media Centre, which briefs journalists on science issues, and Jane Merrick policy editor at the i.

“This should be a fascinating discussion on how the crisis has been presented from both a political and scientific point of view,” said Ian Murray.

“Should the science and health writers have been given more of a lead over the past few months, or is understanding the political decisions of more importance to the public’s understanding of what has been taking place and done in their name?”

The free to attend event takes place on Tuesday at 6.30pm for an hour. To register visit here.

Picture: ITN