The impact of coronavirus on the media sector

4 November 2020

UCLan to host free online event with expert panel to discuss impact, challenges and opportunities

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) will team up with a host of industry experts for a free event to examine the impact of the pandemic on the media sector and how it’s affecting job opportunities.

Chaired by BBC Radio 5 Live Senior Broadcast Journalist Richard Lawson, this virtual Leaders in Residence Masterclass is free to all and will bring together experts with a range of experience from the BBC, ITV Studios, popular culture magazine i-D, Reach PLC and Sky News.

The industry panel will examine how the media has adapted since the onset of Covid-19, the new challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic and what media skill sets will be required in a post-Covid-19 world.

"The pandemic transformed the media overnight, with productions halted, jobs lost, and radical changes to the way we work. I look forward to talking to this fantastic panel about what's changed, how we can make the best of it, and how young people can get started in the media, in these challenging times."

BBC Radio 5 Live Senior Broadcast Journalist Richard Lawson

Richard said: “The pandemic transformed the media overnight, with productions halted, jobs lost, and radical changes to the way we work. I look forward to talking to this fantastic panel about what's changed, how we can make the best of it, and how young people can get started in the media, in these challenging times.”

He will be joined by Matt Cleary, Head of Production, Drama and Continuing Drama at ITV Studios, Anastasia Bates, Broadcast Journalist at Sky News, Audience and Content Director at Reach PLC Ed Walker and Kamila Rymajdo, i-D's Northern Correspondent for Music and Popular Culture.

The event will take place live via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 26 November 3.00pm – 4.30pm and will include a question and answer session with the audience.

"Our Leaders in Residence scheme empowers professionals to make a real difference to how we teach and shape our courses. This event illustrates the wide-ranging impact these partnerships can have, especially during these difficult times where learning has moved online."

Emma Speed, Director of Enterprise and the Creative Innovation Zone at UCLan

It has been organised by the University as part of the UCLan Leaders in Residence programme, a network of 54 experienced individuals that are working with the University to inform the curriculum, mentor students and provide work placements.

Emma Speed, Director of Enterprise and the Creative Innovation Zone at UCLan, added: “The Faculty values industry professionals and the input and insight they can offer our students and academics. Our Leaders in Residence scheme empowers professionals to make a real difference to how we teach and shape our courses.

“This event illustrates the wide-ranging impact these partnerships can have, especially during these difficult times where learning has moved online.”

Anyone wanting to attend the event can register via Eventbrite