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
18
May
2020
Covering Covid-19. The biggest story for 100 years.
Has the media's coverage served us well? How seriously did they take it during the early weeks?
Were they fast enough with the facts? Did the right people speak truth to power?
Were we given 'news we could use'?
Chair:
James Ball
Global Editor, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and
a columnist for The New European.
The panel:
Louisa Compton
The head of news, current affairs, and sport for Channel 4.
John Burn-Murdoch
Senior data visualisation journalist at the Financial Times.
Tom Phillips
Editor of FullFact, the independent fact-checking charity.
Please note: This is a free ZOOM Event. ZOOM-log in at 5.45pm for 6.00pm start
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.
Latest News
Lock down update
We are developing a series of virtual events dealing with the unprecedented media issues we now face.
Monday 4 MAy 2020
Covering Covid-19. Register now.
Our first event is on Monday 18th May 2020 at 6.30pm.
There's never been a better time to join The Media Society.
Do that today and the rest of this year is free.
Why not join today?
Thank you for your ongoing support.
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.
