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Coronavirus prompts hyperlocal news chiefs to postpone conference

Oli HillsHyperlocal news chiefs have postponed a planned conference next month due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The conference, entitled ‘Building the Future of Community Journalism – our 20/20 vision’, was due to be held on Thursday 2 April and run by Cardiff University’s Centre for Community Journalism and the Independent Community News Network.

But, following advice from the university, the organisers said in a statement yesterday afternoon they would have to “sadly reschedule” the event.

It is proposed the conference will now take place in September.

In the statement, the C4CJ and ICNN team said: “While the decision comes at a time of universal uncertainty, we take the safety and health of our delegates, speakers, staff and community very seriously.

“We urge everyone to follow the guidelines put forth by public health officials.”

Oli Hills and John Baron had been unveiled as speakers at the conference prior to its postponement.

Oli, pictured, is chief executive of Birmingham Updates, while John is the editor of the West Leeds Dispatch, the very first title to take ICNN membership.