This year, audiences can expect to hear from national journalists such as Piers Morgan (Talk TV) and Samira Ahmed (BBC), take part in a day of sessions with Channel 4, and watch premieres and exclusive screenings of films and documentaries followed by Q&As with filmmakers. There’s also an opportunity to be part of the live audience for an exclusive award-winning podcast that will be presented in the north of England for the first time.

Journalism and Media Week is one of Leeds Trinity University’s annual flagship events and has established a reputation for attracting some of the most talented and well-respected people in the industry to Leeds. This year it takes place from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 November, with familiar names and faces set to descend upon the University’s Main Campus in Horsforth.

Throughout the week students will have the opportunity to hear from speakers such as national broadcaster Piers Morgan, who is known for his upfront interview and questioning style. They will also have a chance to quiz award-winning BBC presenter Samira Ahmed, who presents NewsWatch and Radio 4’s Front Row; get to see the man behind the voice of football, commentator Guy Mowbray; as well as hear from BBC Radio 2’s late night presenter OJ Borg.

The week will begin with a personal welcome from Leeds Trinity’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles Egbu. The four-day programme also includes an exclusive day dedicated to events curated by Channel 4, where students will hear from key journalists, producers and news, programme and commissioning editors based at their Leeds city centre studios. They will also learn about how news and investigative journalists create the concepts seen by millions daily. Speakers for the Channel 4 day include Jayne Stanger, Commissioning Editor for Steph’s Packed Lunch, and Neila Butt, Channel 4’s Creative Diversity Lead.

Each day will conclude with an evening drinks reception followed by a film premiere and Q&A with some known faces and names. The short films to be screened on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 November focus on mental health, equality and social justice, followed by a Q&A with some of Leeds Trinity’s staff who created and produced the documentaries.

On Wednesday 8 November, attendees will join actor, writer and director, Ian Puleston-Davies (Marcella, Tin Star and Coronation Street), and presenter and actor Terri Dwyer (Hollyoaks, Loose Women and This Morning) on the red carpet for drinks and a meet and greet, before taking their seats to view the pair’s debut film Bolan’s Shoes.

The audience will also have an opportunity to ask the duo about their careers and how they found themselves writing, directing and producing their new film which is now being screened in mainstream and arthouse cinemas across the country.

The week will close with a live broadcast of the award-winning Empire Podcast from the team behind the popular film publication Empire Magazine. This is the first live show outside of London for the Empire Podteam, led by host Chis Hewitt and James Dyer. The evening will capture the reaction of a live audience as they present their one-off brand of film and media related fun.

Attendees will also have ample opportunity to network with a range of professionals who focus on the digital side of the industry including presenter Hannah Storm, who will speak about journalism safety; and BBC mobile journalist Marc Blank-Settle, who will explore Smartphone Journalism in the present day. Students will also hear from Mark Robinson who will discuss how he supports his home city of Leeds by setting up his own company (Wise Owl) to create opportunities in the industry and contribute to the local and regional economy.

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University said: “This is an important week in the Leeds Trinity University calendar. Students attending Journalism and Media Week always take a lot from the experience. The event provides them with an opportunity to hear from and network with leading professionals in the journalism and media industry, including many of our fantastic alumni who we look forward to welcoming back to Leeds Trinity. Each year the week creates a great atmosphere and it’s a joy to observe the passion from staff and the enthusiasm from our students. Journalism and Media Week is also a fantastic opportunity to invite students from across the region, and our local community to see what we have to offer.”

Darren Harper, Sports Journalism Programme Leader at Leeds Trinity University and co-lead of Journalism and Media Week, said: “Journalism and Media Week provides a great opportunity for our students to gain an insight into what it’s like to work and build a career in the real world of journalism and media. They can meet and speak with some of the industry’s best and they always learn so much from this event.

“It also allows our staff team to collaborate and utilise their own networks and contacts who are eager to support further generations of journalists and creatives. This is just another example of how we support our students whilst they are studying with us and for their future careers.

“Not only is this our fifteenth Journalism and Media Week, but Leeds Trinity University also ranked 2nd in the UK for Journalism in the Guardian University Guide 2024. I am proud of all who help make this an engaging and special week in the calendar for our students.”

The carefully curated programme gives Leeds Trinity students, and other attendees interested in journalism and media, an opportunity to listen, learn and network with leading experts from a wide range of professionals across TV, film, radio, print and digital media.

For more information about Journalism and Media Week 2023 and to view the full line-up of speakers, visit the Leeds Trinity University website.

Visit the University website for information about the available Journalism and Digital and Screen Media courses.