Calendar
Explore the PG Cert and MA study schedules for 2026 and 2027 to see how the programme is structured across the year.
Upcoming Events
Join us for upcoming JILeaders FORUMs and other events.
Scroll down to watch recordings of past sessions and gain insights from previous discussions.
Applicants will gain insights into the curriculum and application process, hear first-hand experiences from current participants, and connect with mentors and advisors who are industry leaders.
Watch this information session to learn more about the Journalism Innovation and Leadership (JILeaders) Programme.
JILeaders Applicant Information Sessions and Q&A (PG Cert & MA 2027)
When: PG Cert Applicant Information Sessions Monday, 14 September 2026, Monday, 5 October 2026 and Monday, 19 October 2026. MA Applicant Information Session Friday, 30 October 2026
Where: Online (Teams)
What: Applicant Information Q&A Sessions will be held, offering the chance to meet the JILeaders team, connect with current participants, and hear directly from mentors. They will provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and learn how the programme will support those looking to drive innovation, lead sustainable change, and elevate their newsroom.
For important dates and deadlines, please check the key dates in the JILeaders Year Planners.
Email us at: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
Reach out: Details on themes, speakers, and timings will be announced soon.
To contribute, ask a question, or share an idea for the FORUMs, contact JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk.
JILeaders FORUMs 2026/27
A Space For New Ideas
When: The JILeaders FORUMs continue across 2026 and 2027, with four key dates for the upcoming series.
2026
Autumn: Tuesday 3 November 2026
2027
Spring: Tuesday 2 March 2027
Summer: Tuesday 18 May 2027
Autumn: Tuesday 2 November 2027
Where: Online and in person at the Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire, Preston
What: The JILeaders FORUMs bring together journalists, leaders, researchers, and innovators to exchange ideas and explore new approaches to strengthening journalism. Sessions include talks, panels, open discussion, and practical reflections on leadership, creativity, and innovation.
The FORUMs provide a space for collaboration, critical thinking, and new ideas for the future of the industry.
Email us at: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
Previous Events
Panel 1: NOW – What’s Left When We Let AI Do the Rest?
Rethinking editorial value, trust, and human judgement in the age of AI
Vera Penêda, Director of Programmes & Impact, European Journalism Centre
Sannuta Ragu, Head of AI, Scroll Media
Chair: Jerusha Raath, General Manager, News24 (South Africa)
Panel 2: NEXT – News for Views? Journalism in the Creator Economy
Rethinking influence, identity, audiences, and sustainable journalism
Bryony Hopkins, Founder, BryonyInk
Jack Brewster, Founder, Newsreel
Ben Whitelaw, FT Strategies and Everything in Moderation
Luke Beardsworth, Director, Alma
Chair: Zasha Whiteway-Wilkinson, Independent Journalist and Creator
Panel 3: NEW – Making News That Doesn’t Suck
New forms of public-interest storytelling for distracted, sceptical, and overwhelmed audiences
Christine Mungai, News Editor, The Continent
Rhiannon Davis, Founder and Editor, Greater Govanhill and The Scottish Beacon Local News Initiative; Co-founder, The Community Newsroom and Greater Community Media
Sofia Delgado, Fractional Newsroom Leader, Mina Lab
Chair: Sipho Kings, Managing Editor, The Continent
Closing Reflections
Dr François Nel, Director, Media Innovation Studio
JILeaders Summer FORUM 2026
Now. Next. New: Journalism’s North Stars
When: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Where: Online and in person in ME414, Media Factory, University of Lancashire
What:In a moment shaped by AI disruption, platform volatility, creator-led media, economic pressure, and changing audience expectations, participants explored what journalism should hold on to and what needed to change.
International newsroom leaders, innovators, editors, entrepreneurs, and researchers came together for an open and practical conversation about journalism’s evolving “north stars”.
Email us at: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
What was explored:
How did you report when verification channels vanished?
What happened to your business model when distribution disappeared?
How did you protect staff under coordinated digital repression?
What redundancies should every newsroom build now?
This was a strategic conversation about power, fragility and resilience in modern media systems. It was open to journalists, editors, publishers, media innovators, policymakers and partners.
If you would like to contribute, ask a question, or share an idea for the 2026 FORUMs, you can contact the team at JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk.
JILeaders Spring FORUM 2026
No Signal: Journalism, Platform Power and Survival When the Internet Goes Dark
When: Tuesday, 03 March 2026
Where: Online (Teams)
What: When connectivity collapsed by state action, platform policy, cyberattack or climate disruption, what remained of the newsroom? In this special Spring 2026 JILeaders FORUM, Rieneke van Santen, Executive Director of Radio Zamaneh, reflected on leading through national blackout conditions.
The conversation was moderated by Dr François Nel, Director of the Media Innovation Studio and founder of the Journalism Innovation & Leadership Programme at the University of Lancashire, and Boris van Westering, Senior Media Advisor at RNTC Media Training Centre of RNW Media, an international NGO that supports independent digital media in fragile and restricted environments worldwide.
Email us at: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
The summary of the FORUM was created by Laurens Vreekamp, an associate staff member who led the sprint design for the November Intensive Study Block 2025. To generate this piece, Laurens used a combination of NotebookLM, Claude.ai, and Google Gemini (following the instructions from Slide 28 onwards in this deck). These AI tools helped produce a clear and concise summary of the main themes and debates from what was a rich and insightful discussion. This article demonstrates how generative AI can be used – from recording to a publishable piece – to effectively capture key insights from the FORUM.
Didn’t make it to the FORUM? You can watch the recording here.
JILeaders Autumn FORUM 2025
Innovation In Local Media
When: Tuesday, 04 November 2025
Where: Online and in person at the Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire, Preston
What: The FORUM was chaired by Ed Walker (Founder and Editor, Blog Preston), and featured insights from panellists Beth Ashton (Chief Growth Officer, Bright Sites), Iryna Vidanava (Business Viability Advisor, International Media Support), Joe Cawthorn (Content Strategist, Iconic Media), and Emma Meese (Director, Independent Community News Network).
Email us at: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
Applicants gained insights into the curriculum and application process, heard first-hand experiences from current participants, and connected with mentors and advisors who are industry leaders.
Watch this information session to learn more about the Journalism Innovation and Leadership (JILeaders) Programme.
JILeaders Applicant Information Sessions and Q&A (PG Cert & MA 2026)
When: PG Cert Applicant Information Sessions Monday, 15 September 2025, Monday, 6 October 2025 and Monday, 20 October 2025. MA Applicant Information Session Friday, 31 October 2025
Where: Online (Teams)
What: Applicant Information Q&A Sessions were held, offering the chance to meet the JILeaders team, connect with current participants, and hear directly from mentors. It was an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and learn how the programme supported those looking to drive innovation, lead sustainable change, and elevate their newsroom.
Email us at: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
Panel Discussion: Lessons, Leadership & Local Impact
Maria Breslin, Editor, Liverpool Echo
Jabeer Butt OBE, CEO, Race Equality Foundation
Fran Yeoman, Head of Journalism at Liverpool John Moores University
Sohan Dsouza, Visiting Researcher, Max Planck Institute for Human Development
Watch the full launch event here.
The full Lessons from Southport report, accompanying Policy Brief, and the MOBRA proposal are available at:
LESSONS FROM SOUTHPORT: Crisis, Disinformation and Public Trust
Crisis, Trust & the Media: What We Learned from Southport
When: Thursday 19 June, 13:00 – 14:00
Where: Online event
What: We invited the public to the launch of Lessons from Southport, a landmark report that examined how media, institutions, and communities responded to one of the UK’s most destabilising crises in recent years and what needs to change to rebuild public trust during times of uncertainty.
The session unveiled key findings from the multi-stakeholder enquiry, introduced the MOBRA proposal for coordinated crisis communication, and opened a discussion on what these lessons mean for media, public engagement, and democratic resilience.
Email us at: NewsFutures@lancashire.ac.uk
Panel 1: Local News: Doubling Down On Community
How can local journalism rebuild trust and deepen relevance? What does it mean to centre community—not just as an audience, but as collaborators?
Chair: Lucas Batt, Greater Community Media (JILeaders Class of 2025)
Speakers: Catarina Carvalho, Founder and editor at Mensagem de Lisboa
Oliver Rouane-Williams, Founder of Ipswich.co.uk
Michael MacLeod, Edinburgh and London Minute
Panel 2: The Future is CoLab
From innovation labs to co-creation models, this session explores how collaborative practice is redefining how we make and sustain journalism.
Chair: Dan McLaughlin, Reach Plc (JILeaders Class of 2025)
Speakers: Munir Al-Khatib, ARIJ editor-in-chief and Centre for Investigative Journalism
Sarah Lester, Editor of Manchester Evening News
Dr Carl Hartley, Academic at the University of Leeds & Senior Journalist at the BBC
Panel 3: Harnessing Changemaking
What does it take to lead meaningful change in today’s complex media environment? This session will explore leadership approaches, models of innovation, and lessons from practice.
Chair: Sofia Delgado, Metro (JILeaders Class of 2025)
Speakers: Naomi Owusu, Co-Founder and CEO at Tickaroo
Dan Owen, Media Strategist
Odanga Mandung, Co-founder and managing director, Odipo Dev
JILeaders Spring FORUM 2025
Making News Work: Community, Collaboration and Change
When: Tuesday 3 June 2025
Where: Online and in person at the Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire, Preston
What: The JILeaders Spring 2025 FORUM brought together professionals from across the media landscape to explore how journalism could work better – for communities, for collaboration, and for meaningful change.
For inquiries, please contact: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
Panel 1: World Press Trends & Outlook 2025
Panel 1: World Press Trends & Outlook 2025
Chair: François Nel, co-author, World Press Trends and Outlook
Speakers: Dean Roper, Director of Insights, WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers
Lucy Küng, Media Analyst & Author
Panel 2: AI – What Is Now, What Is Next?
Chair: Izelle Venter, General Manager, Media24TV
Speakers: Joey Marburger, Vice President of Content Intelligence, Arc XP
Alexandra Borchardt, Lead Author, European Broadcasting Union report on AI
Clare Spencer, AI Product Manager, Overcoat Media
Panel 3: The Value of Values
Chair: Alison Gow, Board Member, Independent Press Standards Organisation, Journalists’ Charity, Public Interest News Foundation and JILeaders Programme at University of Lancashire
Speakers: James Brindle, Chief Executive Officer, The Journalists’ Charity
Chloé Fiodiere, Development Manager, Journalism Trust Initiative
Lynda Moyo, Head of Emerging Content at The Mirror
JILeaders Winter FORUM 2025
Media Leadership Amid the Certainty of Uncertainty
When: Tuesday 25 February 2025
Where: Online from the Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire, Preston
What: This year’s Winter FORUM featured discussions on global media trends, AI’s evolving role, and the intersection of journalism and values, with contributions from leading thinkers and practitioners in the field.
For inquiries, please contact: JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk
Applicants gained insights on the curriculum and application process, heard first-hand experiences from current participants, and connected with mentors and advisors who are industry leaders.
Curious about the Journalism Innovation & Leadership Programme?
When: Monday 11 November 2024, 17:00 – 17:45 GMT
Where: Teams meeting online
What: An Applicant Information Q&A Session was held, providing the chance to meet the JILeaders team, connect with current participants, and hear directly from mentors. It was an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and learn how the programme supports those looking to drive innovation, lead sustainable change, and elevate their newsroom.
Panel 1: Innovative Approaches To Reach New Audiences
Chair: Dr. Marja Heinonen, Senior Research Associate, Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire
Panel 2: The 5 Key Things Carbon Literate News Executives Should Know to Spot Greenwashing
Chair: Sarah Hartley, Founder of Northern Eco and Arena Climate Fellow 2024
Panel 3: The Newsroom Of The Future – How Can We Reach Climate-Conscious Audiences?
Chair: Truus Huisman, Independent Advisor and Senior Associate for Leadership in Sustainability, Public Engagement, and Policy, Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire
JILeaders Autumn FORUM 2024
Reimagining News for a Climate-Conscious World
When: Tuesday 29 October 2024
Where: Online and in person at Media Innovation Studio, Room ME414 in the Media Factory at the University of Lancashire, Preston
What: Industry experts gathered at the University of Lancashire’s Media Factory and online to explore how journalism can attract climate-conscious young audiences, create sustainable news products, and address greenwashing in climate reporting.
Panel 1: Working out what works: How to build a sustainable newsroom
Chair: Huw Marshall, Project Leader, Talking Wales
Panel 2: Creating the future: Illuminate the paths of innovation reshaping the news media landscape
Chair: Joe Cawthorn, Content Strategist, National World, UK
Panel 3: You’ve built an audience, now what? How to increase engagement
Chair: Joanna Cummings, Editorial Director, The Grub Street Journal, UK
JILeaders Spring FORUM 2024
Sustainable Growth: Balancing Profit and Purpose in News Media
When: Tuesday 14 May 2024
Where: Online and in person at Media Innovation Studio, Room ME414 in the Media Factory at the University of Lancashire
What: Industry leaders shared strategies on leveraging existing assets for scalable growth, explored paths of innovation reshaping the news media landscape, and discussed optimizing core capabilities for a competitive edge.
JILeaders LUNCH & LEARN session featuring Greenpeace UK’s Global Press Officer Kai Tabacek.
JILeaders LUNCH & LEARN with Kai Tabacek, Global Press Officer, Greenpeace UK
When: Wednesday 13 March 2024
Where: Online
What: How Greenpeace works with the media: Hear from and engage with an organisation that is often at the heart of the story due to its scientific research, investigations, campaigns, and activism.
Emerging leaders, seasoned journalists, and visionary pioneers were invited to join a robust discussion on how news leaders find clarity in a chaotic world.
Watch videos of the event:
Panel 1: Trailblazers: The young leaders shaping our future
Panel 2: Bridging worlds: Leadership lessons from diverse markets
Panel 3: Sensemakers: Insights from seasoned leaders and visionary pioneers
Closing thoughts
JILeaders Winter FORUM 2024
Finding Clarity in Chaos: News Leadership in a Disruptive Age
When: Tuesday 27 February 2024
Where: Online and in person at Media Innovation Studio, Room ME414 in the Media Factory at the University of Lancashire
What: Speakers came from diverse backgrounds and locations, ranging from Amman, Jordan, to Cape Town, South Africa, and from London to Glasgow, as well as Preston. They included Dr François Nel, Reader in Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship at University of Lancashire; Marcela Kunova, Editor at Journalism.co.uk; Jon Birchall, Director of Editorial Strategy at LadBible Group; Ivor Price, co-founder of Food for Mzansi in South Africa; Ghada Ammar, producer and news anchor at AlMamlakaTV in Jordan; Nata Dzvelishvili, CEO of Indigo Magazine in Georgia; and Jacqui Merrington, Founder of The Happy Journalist.
Organised by Dr. François Nel, leader of University of Lancashire’s Journalism Innovation and Leadership programme, along with Izelle Venter from Media24 in Cape Town, the event was supported by the University of Stellenbosch and the Google News Initiative.
Read a report of the event
Read Herman Wasserman’s rapporteur notes
Watch video of the event
JILeaders Autumn FORUM 2023
Media’s Next Chapter: Relevance, AI and Impact
When: Tuesday 31 October 2023
Where: Media 24, Cape Town
What: News media decision-makers and thought leaders came together for an afternoon of in-depth discussions with global experts to address the industry’s primary innovation challenge: balancing relevance and environmental responsibility in the era of A.I. The discussion featured speakers from across the African continent as well as Jordan, Turkey, and the UK.
