Who we are
Media lies at the heart of British life; whether through its historical embrace of the daily newspaper, the modulated tones of the BBC or its enthusiasm for voicing its opinion through Twitter, the rowdy, rambunctious, irreverent nature of British democracy is reflected in the country's love of news, views and comment.
The Media Society is a charity which exists to reflect that passion and exuberance through an exciting, diverse and engaging events programme encouraging anyone with an interest in media to get involved, listening to and questioning those at the heart of this enthralling industry.
Our membership includes journalists, broadcasters, PR folk and indeed anyone who has a connection with media. But just as media affects everyone, so our membership is open to all.
Our mission is straightforward; to surprise, provoke, inspire, educate and entertain.
So enjoy exploring our website, look at our events calendar and why not keep up-to-date by joining the Media Society?
After all, in media, it's now. Or never.
Upcoming events
6
Arpil
2020
PLEASE NOTE
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Westminster from the outside looking in: Press access under Boris Johnson's government
In common with all events involving people meeting together, this event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
We WILL be going ahead with it as soon as normal service is resumed - we hope at the end of the summer - possibly earlier. We shall keep ticket holders advised and update this site when we have more specific information.
Please note: This event is postponed
2
March
2020
Carrie Gracie In Conversation with Phil Harding
In Conversation with one of her former bosses, Phil Harding, Carrie talks about her time as China Editor, about her fight at the BBC and about what women, men and employers can do to achieve equality.
Please note: Starts at 7.00pm
18
FEB
2020
The Art of the Television Reporter
A TRIBUTE TO RICHARD LINDLEY
Richard Lindley sadly died in November. He was an outstanding television reporter for ITN and BBC’s Panorama; a former President of the Media Society and a much loved media figure. Leading journalists will be paying tribute to Richard, looking back at his work and discussing the challenges facing television reporters today.
Among those taking part:-
Lindsey Hilsum, Channel 4 News International Editor; Michael Cockerell, leading BBC documentary maker; Richard Tait, former Editor Newsnight, Editor-in-Chief ITN and BBC Trustee; Anja Popp, Channel 4 News Reporter, Winner RTS 2019 Young Talent Award;
Peter Taylor, award winning Panorama reporter; Roger Bolton, Presenter Radio 4's Feedback and Richard Lindley's Editor at Panorama and This Week.
Please note: Starts at 6.30 for 7.00pm.
3
FEB
2020
Evan Davis in conversation with Helen Boaden
Evan Davis is presenter of BBC PM having formerly been the main presenter of the BBC2 current affairs show, Newsnight. Before taking up that role in September 2014, he was a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also well-known as the presenter of the BBC2 business reality show Dragons Den. And on Radio 4, he hosts a weekly business discussion programme the Bottom Line.
Please note: Starts at 7.00pm
4
DEC
2019
Bernardine Evaristo in Conversation with Joanna Abeyie
Joint winner of this year’s Booker Prize for Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo has explored both heritage and modern life in her considerable body of work, in conversation with Joanna Abeyie, a multi-award-winning social impact entrepreneur, journalist, broadcaster and champion of diversity.
Please note: Starts at 7.00pm
11
nov
2019
Steve Richards in Conversation with Michael Cockerell
British politics is nothing if not 'interesting' at the moment.
Steve Richards is one of the more astute journalists of this generation. Presenter of BBC Radio Four's ‘A Week in Westminster' and several series on Prime Ministers, including David Cameron and Theresa May.
Please note: Starts at 7.00pm
24
sept
2019
Mark Thompson delivers the 3rd Hewlett lecture - 2019
We are delighted that Mark Thompson, President and CEO of the New York Times has accepted our invitation to deliver this year's third lecture.
Please note: Starts at 6.30pm
7
oct
2019
John Ryley, Editor-in-chief Sky News in conversation with Stewart Purvis CBE
John Ryley started as a radio journalist in 1985 at Invicta FM in Kent, moving to the BBC in 1987 as a news trainee with Jeremy Vine. In late 1989 he worked as a producer on the BBC Nine O'Clock News.
Please note: Starts at 7.00pm
8
oct
2019
Welcome to the World of Print and Digital Media 2019 - Student event
The Media Society, in association with The London Press Club, invites you to an evening of insight into the way newspapers and digital journalism are produced: who does what, and why.
Please note: Starts at 5.30pm
9
oct
2019
Welcome to the World of Broadcasting 2019 - Student event
The Media Society, in association with BBC News, invites you to an evening of insight into the way programmes are made and who makes them.
Please note: Starts at 5.00pm
Latest News
Corona virus 19 notice
We are aware of the current risks the Corona virus presents so we are following Government guidance.
Monday 16 MARCH 2020
We are postponing our events until further notice.
We are planing some interim activity which we will deliver on-line.
Of course we will inform you when we resume out events as soon as practical.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Lionel Barber Media Society Honouree 2017:
A Tribute by Geraldine Sharpe-Newton - Former Media Society President
Monday 20 January 2020
Lionel Barber always appeared to have stepped outside the traditional descriptions of a newspaper editor. His calm, energetic enthusiasm, generated a very different style of leadership.
Mark Thompson, former Director-General of the BBC gives the third Steve Hewlett Memorial Lecture at London’s Westminster University
Tuesday 1 October 2019
A joint initiative by the RTS and the Media Society
Jonathan Dimbleby: BBC “so concerned” with impartiality it sometimes misses the point
wednesday 18 september 2019
Jonathan Dimbleby in conversation with Helen Boaden
Meet the winners of Steve Hewlett Scholarship
THURSDAY 8 November 2018
Georgia Keetch and Liam Warden
Video: Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund 2018
THURSDAY 11 OCTOBER 2018
Charlotte Moore speaking at the Royal Television Society Event
Podcast: Alan Rusbridger Denies Being A 'Hopeless Business Manager'
Monday 10 September 2018
He was speaking at a Media Society event.
Podcast: David Abraham on Life In The 'Creative Wilderness'
Friday 27 july 2018
Listen again as he talks to Raymond Snoddy.
Four Upcoming Journalists Awarded at London Voices
Thursday 19 july 2018
The Media Society has sponsored for a second year.
Media Society Delighted To Support Comment Awards
Thursday 22 june 2018
We're delighted to be partnering with the awards in their tenth year.
Podcast: Eddie Mair on That Boris Johnson Interview
Thursday 5 june 2018
Listen again to the PM presenter in conversation with Phil Harding.
Professor Roy Greenslade is retiring
Tuesday 22 May 2018
To celebrate his illustrious career in Journalism and his many
years here at City, he will be in conversation with Jane Martinson
Second Round of Steve Hewlett Scholarships Open
SATURDAY 31 March 2018
Students will receive a £2,000 bursary.
Gina Miller Says There Such Be a 'People's Vote' on Brexit
Tuesday 13 March 2018
She was speaking at the University Women's Club
Lionel Barber Receives The Media Society Award
Thursday 1 March 2018
The editor of the FT was honoured for his contribution to journalism.
Peter Layton London Glassblowing and The Media Society
Thursday 22 february 2018
Peter delivers another original art glass award honouring Lionel Barber at our Annual Dinner...
The Old and The New: Meet the New BBC Studios at White City
Tuesday 9 january 2018
Our speakers were not the stars of the show...
Krishnan Guru-Murthy: 'Employing Black Privately Educated Women Isn't Diversity'
Tuesday 9 january 2018
He also talks about his route into the media.
Jeremy Thompson: Fake News Biggest Challenge for Broadcasters in the Digital Era
Tuesday 28 november 2017
He was speaking at the Media Society's Christmas Drinks
The Media Society Christmas Party in Pictures
Tuesday 28 november 2017
Jeremy Thompson was at the helm.
Data Journalism is Revolutionising Local News
Friday 10 november 2017
The panel included people from Google and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
