One of the most high-profile figures in UK media will visit Cardiff University to explore the challenges facing public service journalism today.
The School of Journalism, Media and Culture will welcome Chief Executive Officer of ITN Rachel Corp, who will be giving this year's Sir Tom Hopkinson Lecture. It is titled, Saving the News to Save the Nation: How to ensure public service journalism survives in the UK and delivers the news audiences want and need.
Ahead of the lecture, she said: "Trust is our most precious asset and the challenge is how we protect that in an era of AI deepfakes and widespread mis- and disinformation. The answer lies in journalism people can rely on: impartial, fact-checked, eye-witness reporting produced by professionals with clear standards and real accountability. When falsehoods can travel faster than the truth, public service news becomes essential for audiences and for our democracy. I look forward to discussing how we ensure it not only survives but thrives and to meeting the next generation of journalists who will help safeguard it."
ITN is one of the UK's largest independent production companies. Under Rachel's leadership, the organisation continues to innovate across linear, digital and social, combining bespoke, original journalism for three separate newsrooms, alongside a TV production arm which produces premium documentaries and factual series. but with shared infrastructure, technology and non-competitive content.
Prior to becoming CEO, Rachel was Editor of ITV News, leading celebrated exclusive and original reporting in the UK and globally. She is a prominent advocate for high-quality, impartial and trusted news, the unique role of British public service media, and the continued prominence of news in a non-linear world. She is passionate about reaching new and underserved audiences on and off screen and is Chair of Women in Journalism.
Head of the School of Journalism, Media and Culture Dr Matt Walsh said: "This year's Sir Tom Hopkinson Lecture is set to be hugely insightful for anyone with an interest in the current challenges facing media organisations. It has never been a more crucial time for everyone to be able to access strong and robust journalism, but delivering that consistently is not an easy task."
Rachel's impressive track record and wealth of experience is sure to be of great inspiration for our students and academics alike. I'm grateful to her for accepting our invitation to speak at our annual lecture, which is held in memory of one of the great pioneers in journalism education.
Sir Tom Hopkinson spent many years as an editor, which included publishing the first photographs of South Africa's Sharpeville massacre. He was the founding director of the original Centre for Journalism Studies at University College Cardiff (now Cardiff University) from 1970 to 1975. He powerfully advocated journalism's function in a democratic society, saying, "A free press is the most watchful sentry of the state. A 'yes' press is fatal to good government".
The Sir Tom Hopkinson Lecture takes place on Wednesday 18 March, at 5.30pm. To secure a place, click here.
