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One in a series of free debates and panel sessions by the Society of Editors discussing the most pressing issues facing the media industry today.

With 84% of journalists recently reporting that more needs to be done to combat abuse and the launch of a UK National Committee for the Safety of Journalists amid reports that the government is set to introduce new laws to provide more protections, this leading panel will discuss what more can – and should – be done to address this issue.

Chaired by JPIMedia interim Editorial Director Joy Yates, panellists will debate the topic ‘Tackling the increase in online abuse against our journalists’ .

Yates, formerly of the Sunderland Echo, will hear from figures from the North East as part of the SoE’s Virtual Conference sessions in the nations and regions of the UK.

Joining the debate will be Louise Bradford, Managing Director of Creo Comms, who through her strategic consultancy and university lecturing has seen first-hand how social media can be a force for good, but has also witnessed its damaging impact when used to push hatred and abuse.

Reach’s Audience & Content Director for the North East, Helen Dalby, who edits the region’s portfolio of newspapers and websites will offer her perspective on the matter since seeing through the launch of ChronicleLive into the North East’s biggest news website.

Also on the panel is Lee Hall, Head of School of Media and Communications at the University of Sunderland. Hall is a former digital editor of the Sunderland Echo and now leads undergraduate and postgraduate NCTJ training.

Karl Holbrook is Group Editor for Newsquest North East and holds editorship of The Northern Echo in his portfolio. Formerly of the Bolton News and Lancashire Telegraph, over his career Holbrook has helped lead teams across the country to multiple industry awards for campaigns and investigations.

While the panel’s speakers are regionally-focused, the SoE welcomes contributions from journalists nationwide.

To register for this event, click 'Save my spot' in the top right hand corner where you will be notified in advance of the event going live.

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Check out the rest of our Virtual Conference 2020 programme at https://www.societyofeditors.org/events/conference-2020/programme/