Coventry University is inviting the public to join a panel of
prominent media figures for a no-holds-barred debate on the state
of British journalism following the phone hacking scandal.
As the Leveson Inquiry continues to investigate the culture,
practice and ethics of the UK press, this unique event - which will
take place at Coventry University's London Campus on Tuesday 7th
February - brings together a host of journalists and media
activists to discuss the controversy and answer questions from the
audience.
Legendary media commentator Raymond Snoddy will chair the debate
and will introduce a panel of veteran journalists including Kevin
Marsh, former Today programme editor; Richard Peppiatt, recovering
tabloid journalist; Bob Satchwell, executive director of the
Society of Editors; journalist and author, Glenda Cooper, and Paul
Connew, former deputy editor of the Daily Mirror and the News of
the World.
The event will also mark the launch of a provocative new book -
The Phone Hacking Scandal: Journalism on Trial? - which presents
over 30 chapters of lively insight and expert commentary on the
hacking saga from professional journalists and top academics.
Co-edited by John Mair of Coventry University and Professor
Richard Keeble of the University of Lincoln, the new 'hackademic'
text promises to present a fresh perspective on the biggest scandal
to hit the UK press for decades.
Contributors include, amongst others, Richard Peppiatt, who
sensationally quit the Daily Star in a fury over its alleged
Islamophobic agenda, Brian Cathcart, professor of journalism at
Kingston University and founder of the Hacked Off campaign, and
John Lloyd, contributing editor for the Financial Times and
director of journalism at the Reuters Institute for the Study of
Journalism at the University of Oxford.
John Mair, senior lecturer in broadcast journalism at Coventry
University, said:
"It was always the intention for this book to be ahead of the
curve in providing cutting edge commentary on the Leveson Inquiry,
and I think in pulling together such a wide range of expert opinion
and perspectives on the hacking scandal, it will make a significant
impact on and contribution to the ongoing investigations into the
saga.
"This public debate on hackgate will provide a live, interactive
introduction to the book. Many of its contributors will be present
on the discussion panel, so it's the perfect way to get people
involved and talking about what is undoubtedly a seminal period for
British journalism. Coventry University is thrilled to be hosting
such an event."
The debate will take place from 6pm on Tuesday 7th February at
Coventry University's London Campus, and everyone is welcome to
attend. Tickets cost £5 for students, £8 for Media
Society members and £10 for everyone else.
For more information please visit http://wwwm.coventry.ac.uk/cuevents/Pages/CUCalendar.aspx