In line with his own committee’s report, the Conservative MP (pictured) is a vocal supporter of the maintenance of self-regulation of the press and opponent of any slide towards government interference.
He believes that Parliament rather than an inquiry led by a senior judge must decide the future of regulation. His has become a familiar voice in calls to resist statutory measures while recognising the political pressure the government will face to implement Lord Justice Leveson's recommendations – whatever they may be
On BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show he criticised the inquiry for what he saw as a platform for encouraging those with a grudge against the press and raised questions about its remit.
The conference is always a hub of media discussion and vision and has become one of the major events in the media calendar. It will take place on 11,12 and 13 November at the Europa hotel where so many British and foreign journalists were based during the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
The conference will open on the evening of Sunday November 11 with the annual Society of Editors’ Lecture delivered by the chairman of the Press Complaints Commission Lord Hunt at the Belfast City Hall.
Whittingdale will join national and regional editors, politicians and lawyers who will be debating the future of regulation post-Leveson, new and emerging platforms for news and the rejuvenation of investigative journalism.
Steve Hewlett of BBC Radio Four’s Media Show will open Monday’s sessions with a focus on the Leveson inquiry, the future of self-regulation and relationships between the press, politicians, the police and the public that were pored over during the hearings.
Confirmed speakers including Chris Blackhurst of The Independent, PressBoff Chairman Lord Black, Peter Preston, Chairman of the Guardian Foundation, ACPO Media Advisory Group Chairman Andy Trotter and Philippa Kennedy, Ombudswoman for The Sun will look to the future of regulation.
Stefano Hatfield, editor of I and Carla Buzasi of The Huffington Post will discuss where the industry should be heading alongside editor-in-chief of Manchester Evening News Rob Irvine and Managing Director of Metro Linda Grant.
The annual gala dinner will be held amid the splendour of the new Titanic Belfast building where delegates and guests will get a taste of the innovative exhibition overlooking the slipway where the tragic ship was built.
The conference will wrap up on Tuesday morning with the annual 20:20 Vision breakfast seminar examining the future of investigative journalism and how to pay for it. Incoming president Jonathan Grun, editor of Press Association, will close the event.
Current SoE president Francesca Unsworth, Head of Newsgathering at the BBC said: “This year’s conference is due to take place at a momentous time for the industry. We will be focused intently upon looking forward.
“Our conference will be an opportunity for the media to discuss new initiatives and emerging platforms against the backdrop of a spectacular city.”
A new updated programme for the conference can be viewed online.
Book online at www.societyofeditors.org, by email (office@societyofeditors.org) or by telephone (01223 304080).
