Media and journalism networking venue announced

We are delighted to confirm that the first ever Media and Journalism networking event run by the Eastbournian Society will take place on Tuesday 25 April and we can now reveal the venue: The Curzon Victoria, 58 Victoria St, London, SW1E 6QW. We welcome all Eastbournian Society members including former pupils and their parents, to join industry leaders as well as sixth formers and the ES team to talk all things media and journalism. 

A career in media and journalism offers an array of opportunities for individuals with a passion for storytelling, communication and critical thinking. In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, the industry is constantly evolving, creating new and exciting career paths for aspiring journalists including multimedia reporting, data journalism, and social media journalism.

The profession offers individuals the chance to make a very real difference and have a positive impact on society and for those with a keen interest in current affairs, an insatiable curiosity, and a desire to make a difference, a career in media and journalism is an excellent choice. This particular evening provides a unique opportunity for those keen to find out more and grow their networks to connect with high profile professionals from the industry.

The guest list for this event includes highly respected and experienced journalists such as Torin Douglas (Gonville 1964-69), Sam Kiley (Craig 1978-83) and Ted Young (Blackwater 1974-79) and is hosted by Old Eastbournian and former college governor John Ryley (Blackwater 1975-80), who was appointed the Head of Sky News in 2006. 

John began his career as a BBC Graduate News Trainee and went on to programme edit ITV 's News at Ten. He was appointed Sky's Executive Editor in 2000, responsible for daily news coverage across digital, television and audio. In 2009, he launched a successful campaign for Britain's first live televised Leaders’ Debates in the run-up to the UK General Election in 2010. He was recognised for his role in this campaign by the British television industry with Broadcast’s 'Individual Achievement Award'.

John has been involved in almost every news story of the past 40 years, winning numerous awards including several BAFTAs. In 2021 The Royal Television Society gave John the Outstanding Contribution Award, saying he had ‘effected genuine change in our industry. His style is innovative, idiosyncratic. His integrity, influence and authority colossal’. John is on the board of the National Council for the Training of Journalists and so is well placed to support those interested in moving into this particular industry.

If you are interested in joining us and haven’t already signed up for this event please do so here as numbers will be limited.