Leading press freedom advocates and some of the biggest names in showbiz journalism will speak at the Society of Editors upcoming Media Freedom conference titled the Future of News.
Taking place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London on 25 March 2025, in partnership with Allwyn and Vodafone, the conference will see more than 200 leading editors and news executives from all sectors of the 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, today, been announced and include Sarah Whitehead, Director of Newsgathering at Sky News; Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor at The Daily Telegraph and co-presenter of The Daily T Podcast; 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; 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.
Announcing the first confirmed speakers for the high-profile event, Dawn Alford, Executive Director at the Society said: “This year’s Future of News programme is focused on offering solutions and ideas to help shape the future of journalism and we are delighted that such distinguished names from across the spectrum of our industry will be taking part.
“Aimed at editors and delegates who are agents for change, the conference remains a cornerstone event for newsroom leaders, editors, journalists, and academic thought leaders and we look forward to welcoming all on the day for what will prove to be an exciting discussion on the future of news.”
Themes for this year’s event include growing audiences and building trust; the opportunities and challenges posed by AI; an update on police and media relations; royals, showbiz and the power elite and journalists’ safety. The conference will also include the prestigious Editors’ Panel featuring a unique lineup of editors discussing how newsrooms can adapt to shifting media landscapes and defining the next chapter for journalism.
More speakers will be announced in the coming days. Early bird tickets are now available to book until February 8, 2025. To book, email office@societyofeditors.org
