Tortoise is inviting every local newsroom to take part in a free Digital ThinkIn on Friday to discuss the future of local news.

The virtual discussion will explore how the coronavirus pandemic has brought huge audiences to local news platforms, yet their business models are struggling.

Chairing the debate will be Tortoise partner and editor Polly Curtis, who will navigate the key questions asking how local news can construct a path to sustainable models of survival.  

Alison Gow, president of the Society of Editors and digital editor-in-chief for Reach Regionals will be joining the debate to give her insight into how regional newsrooms are dealing with the crisis.

Also speaking is Rasmus Nielsen, Director of Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. The Institute last week released findings from its survey on trust in the media to show that during the Covid-19 crisis, people are more trusting of news sites rather than information on digital platforms.

The slow news start up Tortoise was launched last year by former Times editor James Harding and has progressed its events-based ThinkIn model to digital platforms due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The digital event is in partnership with Nesta and is free to attend. Registrations can be made here.