The boss of the UK’s largest newspaper group will explain why he believes journalism matters now more than ever in a speech in Bristol next month.
Simon Fox, chief executive of Trinity Mirror, will deliver his lecture, entitled ‘The importance of professional journalism in a post-truth world,’ as part of UWE’s acclaimed Bristol Distinguished Address series. 
Mr Fox, pictured, who has also been a non-executive director of Guardian Media Group, will look at how fake or misleading news is polluting the internet – much of it spread deliberately by foreign states or for commercial gain.
As a result, journalism is needed to inform, investigate, explain and campaign as never before.
However, journalism is under threat both by regimes around the world who would rather a free press didn’t exist and also by the economics of digital transformation.
Mr Fox will give his perspective on the industry and on how Trinity Mirror – which owns many of the West of England’s local papers – is adapting its business to survive in the digital age.
The lecture, on February 7, takes place from 6pm at Bristol Business School on UWE’s Frenchay Campus.
Trinity Mirror became the UK’s largest newspaper, magazine and digital publisher after acquiring rival Local World for £220m in 2015. It publishes more than 260 titles including the Bristol Post, Western Daily Press, Bath Chronicle, Gloucestershire Echo and Gloucester Citizen – all originally part of the Local World stable. It also owns the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and People national papers.
Before joining Trinity Mirror, Mr Fox was chief executive officer of HMV Group. Prior to that he was chief operating officer for Kesa Electricals and was the founder of Office World, the UK’s first out-of-town office supplies retailer.
The Bristol series of lectures provide a unique opportunity to hear about the challenges, issues and decisions made at the highest level of strategic leadership.
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For details on all forthcoming addresses, click here.
