RSSOfcom and Salford to host debate
Published: 2009-09-18 13:53:24
Top names, including the Managing Director of MEN Media and ITV’s director of news, current affairs and sport, will be at the University of Salford on 22 September for a day of debate on the future of local and regional media.
In partnership with communications regulator Ofcom, the day will feature two panel discussions and an overview of the current situation. The whole day will be hosted by Salford visiting professor and Guardian columnist, Steve Hewlett.
Following an overview from Ofcom, the first debate will focus on how the diversity of regional news is to be maintained with contributions from John Angeli, the Press Association’s head of content, and Ruth Spratt and Michael Jermey of the MEN and ITV respectively.
The day will conclude with a discussion on future opportunities and challenges hosted by Tony Blair’s former communications advisor William Perrin and featuring a panel of members from both local community media and large operators such as Trinity Mirror.
The University’s Professor Ron Cook has organised the event. "Local media is widely regarded as being in crisis: whether on TV or in print,” he said.
"Having this debate means that we can get some of the key players in the media to come together and generate new ideas and share solutions.
"Ofcom will be essential to the continuing success of regional media, so their partnership in this event is an encouraging sign.
"There will be plenty of scope to ask questions and take part in the debate, so I’d encourage people working in all types of media to get involved.”
The day is associated with Salford’s annual ‘Nations and Regions Media’ conference - the only event of its kind outside London
The Future of Local Media takes place at the Salford Innovation Forum on 22 September between 10.45am and 3.30pm. To attend please email nationsandregionsmedia@salford.ac.uk. Attendance is free.
