UK Journalists in the 2020s: Regional launch of major new report on the state of journalism in the UK

Join the School’s researchers and a panel of local journalists and experts to hear about the main findings from the report and for a discussion on the implications for the future of local journalism

Journalism in the UK faces many challenges from cuts to funding, changing patterns of news consumption, mis- and disinformation, and precarious working conditions.  A major new report, authored by researchers from six universities (including our very own Dr Imke Henkel) and published by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (Oxford University), draws on a large representative survey among UK journalists, to produce a wide range of fascinating findings regarding journalists’ demographics, working conditions, job inequalities, use of technology, ethical attitudes and professional principles. In addition, the report includes important findings about the specific role that local and regional journalists aim to play in democracy.

The regional launch of the report at the University of Leeds will, after a short presentation of the findings by Dr Imke Henkel, co-editor and co-author of the report, discuss the implications for the current state and for the future of local and regional journalism with a panel of eminent local journalists and experts.

The confirmed panel speakers are:

• John Baron, Editor and co-founder of West Leeds Dispatch
• Susie Beever, journalist, writer, reporter
• Sunita Bhatti, Head of Regions, Channel 4 News
• Theodora Fairley, Senior News Editor, BBC Yorkshire
• Sarah Lester, Editor of Manchester Evening News
• Jacob Tomlinson, BBC Local Digital Lead for Bradford 2025 

Professor Julie Firmstone, who has researched and published extensively on local journalism, will chair the panel discussion.

We welcome students at all levels and staff from across the University, journalists and members of the public to come along to find out more about the working lives of journalists in the UK.

There will be a drinks and networking reception to follow the panel discussion.

The report UK Journalists in the 2020: Who They Are, How They Work, and What They Think is edited by Professor Neil Thurman (LMU Munich), Dr Imke Henkel (University of Leeds), Sina Thäsler-Kordonouri (LMU Munich), and Dr Richard Fletcher (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism)

Additional authors: Dr Rana Arafat, Dr Lindsey Blumell, Dr Glenda Cooper, Dr Lea Hellmueller (all City St George's, University of London), Dr François Nel (University of Central Lancashire), Dr Ayala Panievsky (City St George's, University of London), Dr Craig T. Robertson (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism), Professor Jane B. Singer (City St George's, University of London), and Dr Jingrong Tong (University of Sheffield).

The regional launch at the University of Leeds follows the national launch in London at City St George's, University of London on 28th April, details for which you can find here.

In order to register, please contact mediaresearchsupport@leeds.ac.uk by 12pm on 28 April, including any dietary requirements you may have.