2025 Future of News Conference

The Society of Editors’ Media Freedom Conference 2025, The Future of News will take place on Tuesday 25 March 2025. 

Taking place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London, in partnership with Allwyn and Vodafone, the esteemed conference will see more than 200 leading editors and news executives from all sectors of the UK news industry come together for the Society’s annual debate on the key opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

The first speakers for the conference have been announced and include Sarah Whitehead, Director of Newsgathering at Sky News; Jeremy Bowen, International Editor at BBC News; Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor at The Daily Telegraph and co-presenter of The Daily T Podcast; Oly Duff, Editor-in-Chief of the i newspaper; Debbie Ramsay, Editor of 5 News; Caroline Waterston, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Mirror; Jonathan Levy, Managing Director and Executive Editor, Sky News UK; Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor of The Sunday Times; Scarlet Howes, Chief Sunday Reporter at The Sun; Martin Evans, Crime Editor at The Telegraph; Mitali Mukherjee, Acting Director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism; Katie Hind, Consultant Editor for Showbusiness at Mail Newspapers; Catalina Cortés, Acting Emergencies Director at the Committee to Protect Journalists; Carole Cadwalladr, Writer at The Guardian and The Observer; Toby Granville, Editorial Development Director at Newsquest; Edward Roussel, Director of Digital at The Times & The Sunday Times; Alison Phillips, writer and visiting fellow at the Reuters Institute; Rebecca Whittington, Online Safety Editor at Reach plc; Owen Meredith, Chief Executive at the News Media Association and John Battle, Head of Legal and Compliance at ITN.

The conference is aimed at delegates who are agents for change, seeking solutions and ideas to shape the future of journalism. Renowned as a cornerstone event for newsroom leaders, editors, journalists, and academic thought leaders, this one-day conference promises unparalleled insights and actionable takeaways for professionals shaping the future of journalism across all formats—print, digital, TV, radio, and social media.

Building on last year’s sold-out success, with rave reviews and a 4.8/5 satisfaction score, The Future of News will deliver compelling content, exceptional networking opportunities, and access to industry visionaries.

Past keynote speakers have included notable figures such as Rishi Sunak;  President Zelensky;  the Lady Chief Justice and Clive Myrie. This year’s keynote lineup will soon be revealed, featuring influential voices guaranteed to inspire and challenge delegates.

Programme Highlights:

Beyond the Headlines: Growing Audiences, Building Trust
Learn strategies to diversify reach and engage underrepresented demographics, explore cross-platform growth through digital formats, and foster interactive communities. Discover innovative monetisation models, including paywalls and subscriptions, and gain insights from regional news brands on evolution and expanding their audience.

One Year On – Is Trust Being Restored Between the Police and Media?
This session examines the evolving relationship between the media and law enforcement, exploring how considerable progress has been made and what needs to change in a landscape often mired by social media disinformation and conspiracy theories.

Can AI Transform Journalism Without Losing Its Soul?
A discussion on the opportunities and ethical challenges posed by AI in journalism. Discover how AI can enhance reporting while maintaining authenticity and integrity.

Royals, Showbiz, and the Power Elite: Still Relevant or Losing Their Shine?
Explore the public’s evolving fascination with royalty and celebrities, the role of responsible storytelling amid clickbait culture, and the challenges of holding the powerful to account in a litigious world. This panel will also reflect on how lessons from showbiz coverage can be applied to broader journalism practices.

The Risks of Reporting: How Can We Keep Journalists Safe?
From war zones to online harassment, this panel tackles best practices for ensuring journalist safety, destigmatising mental health issues, and leveraging innovations in safety technology. Hear first-hand accounts from journalists who have faced danger and learn how the industry can better support its reporters.

The Editors’ Panel
A prestigious session featuring a unique lineup of editors all on the same panel, discussing how newsrooms can adapt to shifting media landscapes and define the next chapter for journalism.

Beyond the Panels
Delegates will enjoy a catered lunch, networking opportunities throughout the day, and a drinks reception to close the event.

Reserve Your Place Today
Early bird tickets are available until February 8, 2025. Secure your place now to be part of the conversation shaping the future of news.

To book a place, email office@societyofeditors.org.