Religion Media Festival 2026
About this Event
An unmissable event at the intersection of journalism and religion - the day will be packed with excellent speakers, in-depth discussions, panel talks delving into all aspects of the presentation of religion, and networking over tea/coffee and a light sandwich buffet lunch (included in ticket price).
Well-known religion journalists will be quizzed on their work and host the discussions.
From mainstream television, radio and print, to the huge engagement with religion online and in social media, this is an essential event for anyone wanting to help shape or critique the narrative of modern-day religion.
Most of the programme is now in place below, but keep checking back, as items and times might change!
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM
Doors open
Info: Tea and coffee available
🕑: 10:30 AM
Introduction
Info: A welcome and introduction from our presenter, Hannah Scott-Joynt
🕑: 10:35 AM
Keynote: Protecting the place of religion in the media in a digital age
Info: Keynote speech by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Roger Bolton with Daisy Scalchi, Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Television; Gareth Barr, ITV Director of Policy & Regulation
🕑: 11:45 AM
Festival Short: Religion and spirituality shifts
Info: With Dr Jennifer Uzzell
🕑: 12:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Info: A panel of content creators translating faith into compelling stories for large audiences will lift the lid on their work. Host: Jessie Paktiazay, with panellists including: TikTok Vicar Rev Pippa White; The Young Imam, Sabah Ahmedi
🕑: 12:45 PM
Lunch
Info: Light sandwich buffet lunch (included in ticket price)
🕑: 01:30 PM
Festival Short: Religion on BBC Radio
🕑: 01:40 PM
Panel Discussion: Artificial Intelligence
Info: Journalists, academics and developers consider the impact of AI on religion and journalism. The panel includes: Dr Sam Tranter, on Christian ethics, political theology and emerging technologies; Marina Adami, digital journalist at Reuters Institute; Rev Dr Kathryn Pritchard, co-director of the ECLAS project – Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science
🕑: 02:15 PM
Panel Discussion: Reporting Religion
Info: Journalists reporting religion will discuss the stories they have covered. Host: Rosie Dawson, with panellists including: Catherine Pepinster; Tim Wyatt; Burhan Wazir, editor in chief, Hyphen Online
🕑: 03:00 PM
Reporting Statistics - lessons learned from the Quiet Revival
Info: Tim Wyatt will host a discussion with Professor Sir John Curtice, senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social Research and Professor at Strathclyde University; and Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London
🕑: 03:30 PM
Break
Info: Opportunity for networking
🕑: 03:45 PM
Festival Short
Info: Zöe Franklin MP, chair APPG on Faith and Society
🕑: 04:00 PM
Keynote: How the media should challenge hate crime and promote social cohesion
Info: The Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, will deliver an address, followed by an interview with Imam Qari Asim, exploring the same issues. As co-signatories of the Drumlanrig Accords, an agreement aimed at strengthening relations between Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK, both speakers will reflect on the role of the media at a time of heightened social tension. The session will be hosted by former BBC Home Editor Mark Easton, who will chair the discussion.
🕑: 04:45 PM
Review
Info: Chaired by Hannah Scott-Joynt
🕑: 05:00 PM
End
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 25.00 to GBP 35.00
