The Media Society: Summer Update
Here’s the text of the Summer Update newsletter that was sent out to members and supporters on the 27th July 2026.
Welcome to the Media Society July newsletter. We would like to thank you all for your support during the first half of 2026.
In this newsletter, we have a round-up of our recent activities and a preview of events later in the year.
Events' Schedule
We've just completed a busy Spring/Summer schedule - including events on 'The Media at War', 'Navigating Crisis Communications', the Deborah Turness Lecture on the Future of TV News, and 'The Future of Podcasts'.
The two events at The Conduit were sold out, and a large proportion of attendees stayed for the networking drinks that followed the panel discussion.
We are now putting together the Autumn/Winter Schedule. As usual, there will be a mix of in-person and online events.
Events planned so far include:
AI and Creative Work. The Conduit. Monday 14th September
Tectonic changes in TV. Zoom. Wednesday 7th October
Interview with Stephen Sackur. The Conduit. Monday 12th October
Hewlett Lecture. Lewis Goodall. Wednesday 21st October
The Rise of YouTube. The Conduit. Monday 2nd November
Media Society on Tour.Manchester. November tbc
Changes in News Consumption. Zoom. November tbc
Festive Drinks. October Gallery. Wednesday 9th December.
We're still finalising timings and panellists – and will send out booking information in due course.
Substack
Our new Substack has become a key part of the Media Society's output. We are up to edition #33, and since launch last year have had 14,600 views. Not bad for a new publication in a busy, competitive space.
Recent posts have included:
Burnham's Media Strategy - by Ivor Gaber, academic and journalist
The Telegraph Takeover - by Ben Fenton, former Telegraph reporter
The World Cup TV Coverage - by Roger Mosey, former BBC Exec
BBC Cuts - by Ritula Shah, former BBC and now Classic FM
Election Vox Pops - by Dr Matt Walsh, Cardiff School of Journalism.
You can subscribe to our Substack and read these posts here: https://themediasociety.substack.com
Mentoring Scheme Update
The Media Society Mentoring Scheme is now underway – with 17 mentors and mentees matched in the 2026 Cohort. A series of workshops is being planned to run alongside the mentoring meetings.
Thanks to Susan Morton, Media Society Vice President, and Sue Ellis for their work in getting the scheme up and running.
Meanwhile, Journo Resources, one of the Media Society partner organisations, is currently fundraising for its own mentoring initiative. More details here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/journo-resources-next-decade-human-support
Join the Media Society
If you are receiving this marketing email and you are not a member of the Media Society, then do please consider joining.
Membership benefits include a minimum 50% discount on in-person events, free entry to virtual events, our members' newsletter and Substack, early access to event bookings, and invitations to networking drinks and members-only events.
Your membership also supports our mission to provide an independent and impartial platform for the discussion of important media issues.
Many thanks, by the way, if you are already a member – your support is much appreciated.
Message from the President
It's been a productive year, says Nigel Dacre, President of the Media Society:
"Over the last year, it has been heartening to see the Media Society significantly expand its output and activities. Our new Substack, YouTube Channel and social media posts, for example, are all going well and increasing their viewing and subscription numbers.
"Our events, though, are still centre stage in what we do. In the past few months, we've debated some really important media issues – and we have a busy schedule of events coming up later in the year.
"It's been great being involved in a Society that is growing and developing. It's been hard work for everyone on Council and for our volunteers – and I'm grateful to them all. But it's been worthwhile. The Media Society is undoubtedly having a real impact on the UK media landscape."
The Media Society Council
Finally, have you thought about becoming a Trustee for the Media Society, and joining our Council? We are about to advertise for new Council members. If you are interested in finding out more, then email Nigel at president@themediasociety.com
Information about the Media Society
The Media Society is a British charity that organises events that debate important and topical media issues.
Newsletter and event graphics are designed by the Media Society Marketing Director, Peter Walker.