North-South Journalism Conference 2026

UTV's Paul Clarke, author Stephen Walker and The Irish News columist Leona O'Neill will give engaging talks on journalism in Northern Ireland.

Editors and regulators will also discuss the rapid changes taking place in the news sector. Young politicians, the SDLP's Cara Hunter and the Ulster Unionist's Ben Sharkey, will debate how division shapes Northern Ireland's story.

The conference will allow you discuss these topic and network with these experts and over 90 trainee journalists from Ireland, Northern Ireland and around the globe at one of the UK and Ireland's largest annual journalism events.

Thanks to Garfield Weston Trust support this event is free and open to the public. It is a must for anyone interested in politics, media, history and public affairs. Refreshments will be included. It is organised by the main journalism schools on the island of Ireland, Ulster University, Technological University, Dublin and Dublin City University to promote mutual understanding.

Return bus/accommodation from TUD at 11am 12 Feb. returning on 13 Feb. for 8.30pm Contact: Dr Niamh Sammon at TUD to book.

Return bus/accommodation from DCU at11.30am12 Feb. returning on 13 Feb. for 8pm Contact: Dr David Robbins at DCU to book.

School and other groups are welcome. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.Please book.

Organised by the Communication, Cultural and Media Studies Research Institute at Ulster University, Coleraine in partnership with the journalism research staff at Technological University Dublin and Dublin City University.

Ulster University offers industry accredited BA and MA degrees in journalism in Coleraine as well as BA (Hons) Digital Media Production. Through the NCT Diversity Fund, there are bursaries for UK citizens to study the MA Journalism. Contact c.murphy@ulster.

For students attending the Railway Sleeper Hostel in Castlerock is offering accommodation at £26 a night for delegates.

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Host or Publisher Professor Colm Murphy, Ulster University