The Society of Editors is to hold a five-week virtual conference this year in lieu of its traditional annual gathering.

The organisation has revealed plans for the conference, which will involve a series of free events throughout November and December, which will be hosted online due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

Panels looking at diversity in the news media, media training and mental health in the newsroom will feature as part of the series, along with debates specific to Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, North West England and The Midlands.

Four keynote speaker discussions will also take place with as-yet unnamed major industry figures.

SoE executive director Ian Murray, pictured, said: “Obviously we are sad that we will not be able to bring together in person so many representatives of our industry for an event that has always proved so important.

“However, our virtual conference will enable us to engage with journalists and stakeholders across the whole of the UK to truly get to grips with some of the issues at the heart of the media industry.

“The nations and regions debates in particular will enable bespoke discussions on topics that are truly relevant to those areas.

“We have also chosen three topics for our national panels to explore which go to the heart of industry thinking. And I feel certain that our keynote speaker discussions will be the must-watch events of the autumn.”

Dates and timings will be announced in the coming days along with information on panellists and speakers, as well as how to register for the events.

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