Advertising investment in news media will come under the spotlight next month when the Media Debating Group convenes in Westminster to debate the motion: “Advertising is breaking the news.”
Organised by Newsworks, the debate will take place on 20 October from 5.15pm to 6.45pm, bringing together senior figures from across the media, marketing and advertising industries to discuss one of the sector’s most pressing questions.
Leading the argument for the motion will be Adam Foley, CEO of Bountiful Cow, supported by Monica Majumdar, director of client strategy at Reach plc. Arguing against the motion will be Matt Bourn, director of communications at the Advertising Association, alongside Katie Jackson, chief audience and marketing officer at Channel 4.
The debate will be chaired by Lord Black of Brentwood, Deputy Chairman of The Telegraph, with Rupert Smith of Newsworks delivering the vote of thanks.
Foley and Majumdar are both members of The News Alliance, a cross-industry initiative made up of media agencies, portfolio media owners and trade bodies to champion the value of professionally produced and regulated news media to advertisers and agencies. One of the alliance’s main aims is to promote greater advertising investment into the news industry (across all platforms including broadcast, radio, magazine and news brands).
Bourn and Jackson represent organisations at the forefront of the UK’s advertising industry. Together they will challenge the motion, arguing that advertising continues to play a vital role in funding trusted content, driving innovation and connecting brands with audiences.
Lord Black said: “The relationship between advertising and news media has never been more important, or more debated. This motion goes to the heart of some of the biggest issues facing our industry today and we’re delighted to have such an experienced panel ready to tackle it. Whether attendees agree or disagree with the proposition, they’re guaranteed a lively and thought-provoking evening.”
With distinguished speakers representing both sides of the argument, attendees can expect a lively and entertaining exchange on the role advertising plays in shaping the future of trusted news media.
The debate will be followed by drinks at the Westminster Arms from 7pm.
