Media Freedom Conference 2025: Insights, Innovation and Impact

Date: March 25, 2025

Location: Leonardo Royal Hotel, Tower Hill, London – 

The Society of Editors is delighted to announce the highly anticipated Media Freedom Conference 2025: The Future of News, in partnership with Allwyn and Vodafone.  This conference is designed for anyone who works in news, particularly newsroom leaders and emerging leaders who aspire to drive innovation and bring about meaningful change.

It 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 line-up will soon be revealed, featuring influential voices guaranteed to inspire and challenge delegates.

Why Attend? Delegates will gain practical strategies, thought-provoking ideas, and a forward-looking perspective on journalism’s evolving landscape. The day’s programme features an exciting mix of panels, each chaired by expert moderators and featuring prominent figures in the news industry who will share their expertise, success stories, and forward-thinking strategies.

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.

You can read about last year’s conference here.

Media Freedom Conference 2025: Insights, Innovation and Impact