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15/16 Annual Report 2 President’s Report 4 Director’s Report fighting for media freedom 8 Standing Committee Reports 13 Honorary Treasurer’s Report The Society of Editors was formed by a merger of the Guild of Editors and the Association of British Editors in April 1999. 14 Accounts
Its members are editors, managing editors, editorial directors, training editors, editors- 20 Society Profile in-chief and deputy editors in national, regional and local newspapers, magazines, radio, television and online media, media lawyers and academics in journalism education. 24 Notice of the AGM
They are as different as the publications, programmes and websites they create and the communities and audiences they serve. CONTENTS But they share the values that matter:
• The universal right to freedom of expression • The importance of the vitality of the news media in a democratic society • The promotion of press and broadcasting freedom and the public’s right to know • The commitment to high editorial standards
These values give the Society the integrity and authority to influence debate on press and broadcasting freedom, ethics and the culture and business of news media.
To keep up to date with the society’s work visit our website: www.societyofeditors.org
Pictures by: 1 President’s Report
Being President of the news gathering, the Society’s special role sense is always welcome, complacency But fighting for the media and defending it against those critics to the freedom to deliver news in whatever way audiences is to maintain our freedom to report. must be avoided. The campaign must who are only too ready to criticise it, is time-consuming and demand, on whatever platforms that exist now, or are yet to be Society is a privilege. continue to increase the scope of the Act, costly. The public has a right to know what is done in its name invented. The Society needs your support! It offers a grandstand Our usually competitive industry has and to ensure it is not restricted. and with its money. When the media is attacked, it is ultimately seat from which to pulled together to defend itself from the public that suffers. The Society of Editors’ National Press Awards and Regional Press multiple threats to its ability to inform My predecessor, Doug Wills, told the Awards showcase the important journalism produced by the witness the energy and the public. That is why the Society used London conference that over the course That is why the Society’s campaign to attract new members and whole of the Press on paper and online. Despite the challenges, determination that its 2015 annual conference to launch of the event, delegates would hear more supporters is vital. Newsrooms have changed along with the the standard is undimmed. Similarly, the world looks to the high a campaign to defend the public’s right about raising revenue from content, how roles played by those that work in them. The all-seeing singular standards set by UK broadcast and digital media. editors and journalists to know. Alongside the Campaign for to make money from advertising and editor is a personality of the past. If you share the basic objectives apply to meeting – and Freedom of Information, guided by making the best use of social media. He of maintaining freedom of expression and the right to give and Editors and journalists should be proud of all they have achieved, as the Society is proud of its role in maintaining and enhancing beating – the huge dedicated director Maurice Frankel, the did not disappoint. We heard practical, receive information – fundamental rights so easily taken for Society’s #HandsOffFOI campaign had a state-of-the-art ideas to take back to granted and therefore equally easily threatened – we welcome the reputation of the media. challenges facing our major impact on the review of the Act. newsrooms. you to join the Society. This year, as President, I am taking the annual conference up industry. north to Carlisle. And, as to the year ahead, I wish continued The Society’s efforts in encouraging He went on to highlight the work of the We are actively seeking new associate members and affiliates success to Ian MacGregor as our President, during what will be editors and the wider public to oppose Society and successes such as the strides to help us turn up the volume of our campaigning work. We Lesser mortals might be worn down by another important year for our industry. the doom mongers, and take their bats proposals to restrict the scope of the Act, in the family courts where secrecy is encourage deputies, assistants, department heads and journalists home. Not us. Whether it is commercial charge for requests and, rather bizarrely, slowly being replaced by transparency generally to sign up at affordable rates to show their commitment pressures, threats to media freedom from reject calls by Russell Group universities and openness, and gradual attempts to those who prefer the public is kept in the to allow them to be exempt from improve relationships between the police dark, or the incessant pace of technical the important legislation, resulted in a and the media at all levels. Work continues and editorial change, we remain at the government back-track. Editors across the on both fronts. This is without mentioning sharp end. country, nationally, regionally and locally, the numerous activities explained in more wrote to the Prime Minister, lobbied their detail in Jonathan Grun’s parliamentary By their very nature, journalists relish MPs and highlighted the public interest and legal report. something new every day and thrive on journalism they had produced thanks to deadlines. That is why they have adapted the Act. They gave 30,000 reasons why so well to the digital revolution, the thrill the review commission should think again of testing new platforms, and the demands about restricting the legislation. of diverse audiences. The government undoubtedly under- HANDS OFF While our first focus must be on what estimated the strength of feeling when it both potential and loyal traditional called for the review. The outcome was Nick Turner audiences require as well as how we can that ministers decided not to make any President of the Society of Editors find the revenue to cover the costs of legislative changes to FOI. While common Digital Strategy Manager, CN Group FOI PA LOGO ISSUE 2 Director’s Report
The spectacle of journalists being hauled defendants not guilty. Justice delayed was nonetheless justice gave him one by launching #HandsOffFOI Javid’s successor, John Whittingdale, as the Corporation’s local online coverage denied. with support from Press Gazette and former Chair of the Culture, Media and damaged local and regional media. before the courts simply for doing their HoldTheFrontPage. Sport Select Committee and no stranger jobs has hopefully ceased. Sadly, attacks In his Society of Editors Lecture last October, Alan Rusbridger to the media, used his keynote address to While recognising the digital arena would on the public’s right to know and the celebrated the returning confidence of the UK newspaper Editors were encouraged to join the the 2015 conference to voice his belief play an ever-increasing part in the work industry. Indeed, Fleet Street regained its mojo in 2015 and began campaign, sign the petition against that he was “not persuaded” to sign into of all broadcasters and publishers, she ability of the media to hold government to walk tall again – battling for exclusives, informing, entertaining proposed changes, and highlight the operation laws forcing publishers to pay echoed calls for the BBC to work together to account, have not. and campaigning on behalf of the public. powerful public interest stories they had both sides’ legal costs in libel and privacy with local and regional newspapers to been able to uncover over the years thanks cases even if they successfully defended ensure all parties benefitted. That is a At the end of Doug Wills’ year as president, he reminded us of In supporting our campaigns it is hard to remember a year in to the Act. Written and oral evidence was an action. cause with which we are closely involved. the battles for media freedom that had still to be fought and won. which the industry has been so unified in opposing attacks upon given to both the Commission and the it. An editor’s job is to lead his or her troops into the sound cross-party review led by Labour’s Deputy Despite this, he hinted the final Despite an increased focus on digital Both he and his predecessor Ian Murray presided over the Society of gunfire – and 2015, and now 2016, have provided plenty Leader, Tom Watson. The Commission’s decision may ultimately depend on the platforms, digital advertising revenue was through difficult years as enemies of a free, unfettered Press of examples of that. The industry that is more suited to fierce call for evidence resulted in considerable performance of the Independent Press not set in stone according to PR and waited for juries to proclaim the guilt of a group of journalists competition than cosy co-operation kicked back against attempts reading – 30,000 responses worth! Standards Organisation and whether advertising guru Sir Martin Sorrell. The and, by implication, the whole of the trade. It was a relief, then, to to shackle the free and vociferous UK media. chairman Sir Alan Moses’ call for changes Chief Executive of WPP, in a conference see the Elveden affair brought to a close. Ministers backed away from restrictions to in budget, structure and management conversation with Steve Hewlett of the Journalists’ sources, which should be sacrosanct, have been FOI and pledged to spread transparency were approved by the Regulatory Funding BBC Radio 4’s Media Show, said he now A police investigation that had cost millions resulted in jurors vigorously defended, as has the need for openness and throughout public services. Cultural Company. This has now been achieved advocates that his clients should have a displaying a less jaundiced view of journalists and particularly the transparency. More than 100 editors in national, local and regional change is certainly required, but it is and, with an external review of the varied ad spend, and that print is certainly papers that are read by millions. The Crown Prosecution Service newspapers, broadcasting and magazines, signed our letter to the difficult to achieve. We must maintain the organisation’s effectiveness in place, it is not dead. eventually decided to drop charges when jury after jury found Prime Minister, protesting against misuse of terrorism legislation campaign to change the default switch hard to accept criticisms from predictable to target journalists. Papers took aim and hit their targets. from ‘tell them nothing unless forced’ directions that IPSO is not Leveson- That was a sentiment echoed by David to one where public bodies release compliant. It has already demonstrated Dinsmore, then newly-transformed from The Independent Commission to review the Freedom of everything the public is entitled to see its independence with a number of editor of The Sun to chief operating Information Act appeared as lacking in independence as it unless there is an exceptional reason for robust judgements, whether they concern officer of News UK. While the reach was unwelcome. It was met with opposition across the board. withholding it. minnows or mammoths. and influence of content available online Criticism was levelled at the make-up of the committee, which cannot be underestimated, he pointed included former ministers who were on record as opposing the The lack of satisfactory protections for In the midst of the Government’s review to the fact The Sun’s ability to shape Act. There was also concern about the panel’s terms of reference journalism in the Investigatory Powers Bill of the future of the BBC ahead of its public opinion and debate wielded more – its remit did not include any assessment of whether or not the promised by the then Culture Secretary Charter renewal in 2017, swords were influence than social networks. Act was considered a success. Sajid Javid at our conference in 2014, is as not drawn in the Culture Secretary’s predictable as it is infuriating. It will only direction, despite the Head of the BBC With monotonous regularity relationships Maurice Frankel, Director of the Campaign for Freedom of be a matter of time before we witness Trust also addressing the conference. between the police and the media again Information, used his conference speech to call for a campaign legislation once again being used for Rona Fairhead used the occasion to discuss returned to the conference platform. While to save the Act. Within minutes incoming president Nick Turner purposes for which it was not intended. the future of the BBC and concerns that delegates were provided with an off-the- PA LOGO ISSUE 5 Director’s Report
record briefing by Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner were Alan Rusbridger, who was presented with the award the NCTJ, we are endeavouring to look Dudman, former Managing Editor of Mark Rowley on counter-terrorism and Norfolk Chief Constable after delivering the Annual Society Lecture; Ian Beales, former more closely at the issue, and Sue Ryan the Sun, Chris Elliott, Readers’ Editor of Simon Bailey on historic sex abuse investigations, delegates used chairman of the Editors’ Code Committee; and Maurice is chairing a working party. The awards The Guardian, and Paul Connolly from the opportunity to call for greater co-operation from the police Frankel, distinguished Director of the Campaign for Freedom of were generously supported by Camelot Northern Ireland, who also retired after in releasing information to journalists and promoting openness Information. It is a continuing disgrace that after ten years of the which has worked with the Society of long and valuable service. and transparency – for the benefit of the police as much as the Act being in force we still need the campaign. Constant vigilance Editors since 2001; EY; Wiggin; Wellcome media, and certainly for the public. Unfortunately, that remains an is required to resist attempts to row back on the benefits of the Trust; Google; Luther Pendragon; Gorkana; Jonathan Grun must get special unresolved issue. We are working on it! Act for the public. Press Association; JTI; Reuters; Battleface; mention. Not only is he chairman of the The Hilton Park Lane; PCS; BT; Journalists’ Parliamentary and Legal Committee, he is We heard from Sylvie Bermann, French Ambassador to the UK at The conference once again topped a remarkable year of Charity; and the British Journalism Review. also vice chairman of the Defence Security the annual dinner. She spoke of her experiences with the British campaigning for the Society under the leadership of President Media Advisory committee and secretary press, French media and the significance of the Charlie Hebdo Doug Wills. Handing over the reins to incoming President Nick The Regional Press Awards, also hosted of the Editors’ Code Committee. Not a attacks on the debate around Press freedom. Her address was Turner, he said that in the year to come he expected the Society’s by Ferrari, returned to the Marriott bad package of retirement jobs for the followed by a lively repost from Sir Christopher Meyer, former work would be more vital than ever before. He was not wrong. Grosvenor Square Hotel. After the Emeritus Editor of the Press Association. UK ambassador the United States during 9/11, which provided interruption caused by a fire at the He has also twice been president of the light relief as well a serious defence of the British Press and the The National Press Awards, hosted by LBC’s Nick Ferrari, took previous year’s event, the awards Society. Society’s campaigns. place at the London Hilton in Park Lane, celebrating the best of featured a celebration of great journalism, national journalism during 2015. The Society was disappointed but thankfully neither smoke nor fire. Santha Rasaiah and the team at the News The conference saw a trio of influential media figures awarded to see the diversity of newsrooms was not always reflected in Our thanks go to Camelot, UK Power Media Association, and John Battle and the fellowships of the Society of Editors. The worthy recipients the entries. As founders of the Journalism Diversity Fund with Networks, ASDA, Foot Anstey, Gorkana, Media Lawyers’ Association, continue to JTI, HoldtheFrontPage and the Press offer advice and guidance and champion Association without whose support the our causes. As a consultant for the Society, awards could not happen. Anthony Longden continues to provide his expertise whenever it is called for. The Society could not work effectively without the support of its board members. The small but effective Society of Editors While we welcome the election of Ian team of Claire Meadows and Angela MacGregor, Weekend Editor of the Upton continues to punch well above Telegraph, we bid farewell with heartfelt its weight, with the invaluable support of thanks to long-serving Robin Esser, former Lyn Disley and colleagues at MagStar who Executive Managing Editor of the Daily provide marketing and admin support, Mail, along with Simon Bucks, formerly of and deliver our events, publications and Sky News. The pair were instrumental in website. so many of the Parliamentary and Legal Bob Satchwell committee’s achievements down the Executive Director years. We also offered thanks to Graham Society of Editors 7 Parliamentary and Legal Report
It requires constant The #HandsOffFOI campaign was born. services under contract and that there They clearly took the view that the live broadcasting during terrorism events. As well as encouraging editors and the was no convincing evidence for the journalists really were acting in the public We will continue to assist in any way that vigilance to preserve our public to highlight the successes of the exclusion of universities from the scope interest. we can. freedoms and the Society Act, we gave evidence, both written and of the Act. orally, to the Commission headed by Lord The Met declared that the Elveden In other areas of legislation, the Govern- of Editors has been at the Burns and a cross-party review organised It was a victory of sorts – and a warning. debacle was ‘certainly not an attack ment has so far reneged on its promises forefront of hard-fought by Deputy Labour Leader Tom Watson. There are still those who prefer to stop on journalists or free media’. Perhaps, to promote freedom of the press and the campaigns. When the us informing the public about issues they but police relations with the media had public’s right to know. We opposed proposals to introduce are entitled to know. Newspapers across plumbed new depths – fuelled by paranoia Society fights on an issue fees for requests, called for public service the country have done a brilliant job, but and distrust on the part of senior officers. Journalists have a moral obligation to it does so on behalf of the contractors to be subject to requests, and pressure must be maintained to ensure The public has suffered as a result. protect their sources – the information cited the numerous public interest stories the Act is extended rather than curtailed. they provide can benefit the whole whole of society. that had resulted from the transparency We have done our best over the past of society. And yet the Regulation of legislation. In March 2016, more than four years year to melt the permafrost. Metropolitan Investigatory Powers fiasco – in which For example, the Freedom of Information after Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan- police used, some would say abused, Act has shone a bright light into dark We co-ordinated a letter to the Prime Akers of the Metropolitan Police sat in Howe asked the Society to help to their powers to access journalists’ phone corners of our society, which may be why Minister expressing widespread concerns front of the Leveson Inquiry and spoke improve relations. We are now working records – showed how vulnerable our the government wished to water it down. with regard to the review. It was signed by of the increased resources required for with the MPS to build on the College sources can be in a surveillance society. It convened an inquiry that bore all the more than 140 media organisations – an Operation Elveden, the police investigation of Policing’s Code of Ethics in including hallmarks of a kangaroo court. Faced with unprecendented act of solidarity and co- into allegations of inappropriate payments guidelines on investigative issues including Despite recommendations by the Joint that threat the Society, in conjunction with operation. We urged newspapers to run to police officers and public officials was journalistic confidentiality. That is a small Parliamentary Committee on the Investi- Press Gazette and HoldtheFrontPage, campaigns and to write directly to their finally shelved. step in the right direction. gatory Powers Bill that it does not go far launched a campaign to defend FOI. MPs opposing the review. enough in protecting sources, widespread The failed prosecutions of journalists With the support of the Media Lawyers’ opposition has currently fallen on deaf Speaking at the Society conference in We welcomed the government’s undoubtedly humiliated and tarnished Association and the News Media ears. October 2015, incoming President Nick announcement that it would not be the reputation of the Crown Prosecution Association, we have worked with the Turner, described the government’s plan making any legal changes to the Act in the Service and the Metropolitan Police National Police Chiefs’ Council in trying While the Bill requires that a “judicial to curtail FOI as a cynical and dangerous wake of the Review’s report stating that Service. The lives of innocent reporters to update police and media guidelines, commissioner” gives prior approval to a backward step in the long fight for greater it ‘was working well’. The report echoed who spent years on police bail, were trying to change the mindset which states: police application to obtain information openness and transparency. the Society’s opposition to introducing ruined. ‘tell them nothing unless forced to’. That likely to identify a source, the Home fees for requests and called for a public is best described as work in progress. Secretary has the power to approve an He added: “If MPs really want to serve interest time limit extension to tackle It took independent jurors little time to “urgent warrant”. We oppose the lack of their constituents, they will support this delays in responding to requests. throw out case after case based on the The Society also worked with the MPS a requirement for prior notification to be campaign to maintain the tremendous archaic charge of ‘conspiracy to commit to arrange briefings on counter terrorism given to the subject of a communications work of the Campaign for Freedom of The report also said the Act should be misconduct in public office’ when it had that led to an informal voluntary request and the failure to ensure that Information.” extended to those who provide public taken years to bring some cases to trial. understanding regarding requests to delay the legislation contains similar provisions 8 9 Parliamentary and Legal Report
to the Police and Criminal Evidence and and should be judged as more fun than comments on the application by IMPRESS Justice Minister Dominic Raab on the The Society attended a meeting with the the scope of the notices that refer solely Terrorism Acts to protect journalistic competitive, it was ultimately a decision for recognition under the Royal Charter. subject of the proposed Bill of Rights. European Commission against Racism and to matters of national security. information. for editors. We look forward to discussing these We welcomed proposals to deal with Intolerance (ECRI) with representatives and other industry issues with the new protection for journalism but cautioned from IPSO. The meeting focused on racist As chairman, I would like to record my We remain committed to ensuring that The Society has helped to facilitate a Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley MP in that after the problems of recent years any and homo/transphobic hate speech in thanks and the thanks of the committee Theresa May’s promises when Home working group tasked with finding ways in due course. such protection must be straightforward the British media. Hopefully we changed to my predecessor Simon Bucks who Secretary come to fruition, and that which the BBC could work with regional and uncompromising not just for the some misconceptions. stepped down from the role last year. He the-then Culture Secretary Sajid Javid’s and local press for mutual benefit. We The Society has monitored the work media but for the wider public’s right to has been a fierce advocate of promoting assurances to our members at our annual welcomed a potential deal for the BBC of the Independent Press Standards freedom of expression. We have continued to update guidance greater transparency in all areas of conference in 2014 are not selectively to fund 150 local journalists in a move Organisation over its first two years. and matters of interest to members on government, the police and public bodies forgotten. to boost coverage of local councils and We have welcomed wider publication With the Chief Coroner we discussed our website. These included updated the and it is partially down to his campaigning devolved bodies. of its adjudications and the industry’s issues about access to inquests and reporting restrictions guidance for the that we welcomed the news earlier this To our dismay, privacy injunctions also re- acceptance of changes to ensure information from coroners and we Criminal Courts which was published in year that cameras would be trialled in the emerged in 2016. While the public interest The corporation has agreed to commit budgetary independence and the continue to encourage openess in this February and we are currently discussing criminal courts for the first time. We owe in the sex lives of celebrities continues to £8m per year to the partnership to appointment of an external review of area alongside clearer guidance. We have updating guidance on reporting diversity him our thanks. polarise opinion, court orders that ban provide a new “public sector reporting its work. The Society has reprinted the worked with the Ministry of Justice and with the Department for Communities the publication in the UK of information service”. The deal, which will also involves wallet-sized version of the revised Editors’ senior judges to improve openness in and Local Government. We are grateful to Santha Rasaiah of which is widely available on social media, the formation of a shared data journalism Code of Practice which have been Family Courts. The Court of Protection the News Media Association, the Media on the front page of US magazines and unit and local access to a BBC news bank, distributed to newsrooms and colleges pilot scheme has been extended into We have also been concerned with Lawyers’ Association and Foot Anstey even in Scottish newspapers, is as much of is included in the Government’s White and universities across the country. 2017. Having established the principles reporting the Royal Family and particularly LLP for their ongoing guidance and advice a waste of the courts’ time and money as Paper on the future of the BBC, and as the welcome judicial initiatives need the the family of the Duke and Duchess of and our committee members for their it makes a mockery of the justice system. part of its proposed Charter renewal. Changes to the Code, which came into support of the media by covering the Cambridge. While foreign media feel they continued support. As the Daily Mail succinctly put it: “the law Practical details have yet to be finalised. effect in January 2016, included a specific courts and reporting information that has are fair game the UK media’s reporting is an ass”. We will continue to campaign reference to headlines in relation to until now been hidden. and especially the use of photographs has against and highlight the absurdity of the The Society attended a roundtable with accuracy, a standalone clause on reporting been appreciated. draconian legislation. then-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale suicide, the need to avoid prejudicial or We again voiced opposition to custodial and voiced support for business tax pejorative reference to an individual’s penalties for breach of the Section 55 of The so-called D-Notice system has been The Society wrote to Greg Dyke, then rate relief for local newspapers. We gender identity, the importance of the Data Protection Act because of its reborn as the Defence, Security and Media chairman of the Football Association to used the occasion to express concern resolving complaints swiftly and an update chilling effect upon investigative journalism. Advisory system complete with a review voice concern about requests that local about to the implemenation of provisions of the definition of the public interest. Despite Christopher Graham’s advocacy of DSMA Notices. The aim is emphasise newspapers should not publish the results in the Crime and Courts Act for cost of tougher penalties, the Society records the mutually beneficial advisory nature of of under-7 and under-11 youth games. A orders and exemplary damages as part The Parliamentary and Legal committee its thanks to the outgoing Information the system and to remove the myth of reply from the chief executive said that of the Royal Charter process on Press has continued to meet government Commissioner for his support over D-Notices, that have never in fact existed while the FA advised newspapers not regulation. Along with the News Media ministers and other organisations. These the years on many other aspects of his as censorship in peace time. Media side Jonathan Grun Chairman to publish weekly U7 and U11 football Association, the Society responded to have included Sara Thornton, chair of work. We hope to continue this with his members of the committee made it plain Parliamentary and Legal Committee results because it could affect morale the Press Recognition Panel’s request for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, then successor, Elizabeth Denham. that there should be no “mission creep” in Emeritus Editor, Press Association 10 11 Training Honorary Treasurer’s Report Report
The Society has continued Flexibility is key in an industry innovating NCTJ board and in its curriculum and As a members’ in the bank, this meant we had a notional Major efforts to chase funds that have in response to the many commercial and qualifications committees – Donald balance of £160,540 as money came in been owed to us for more than 90 days to champion the technological changes it faces. Training Martin, Head of Publishing at DC organisation the Society from the National and Regional Press bore fruit, but we do need the help of training of journalists, and development opportunities through Thomson, and former chairman of the does not seek to make Awards. members and the industry more widely to the promotion of high continuous professional development Society’s training committee is on the profit. That said, it is pay bills as soon as possible. Total amounts initiatives are essential for both a thriving NCTJ board, along with Brien Beharrell While a healthy position in the early part outstanding consistently remain in excess editorial standards and media and individuals’ success. CPD and Roz MacKenzie. important our finances of the year is good news, this should of £100k and chasing for these many the need for ongoing requires a mixture of formal development can support our crucial not disguise the fact the Society needs small debts uses up valuable secretariat personal development. of skills that can be measured, and informal The Society will continue to recommend campaigning work and more revenue to overcome cash flow resource, which would be better used gathering of knowledge and experience NCTJ qualifications gained through issues across the year. The core issue is on more positive activity. We particularly accredited courses as the basis for a services to members along insufficient funding, to the tune of £50,000 The Society is proud of the part it plays in that will provide leaders for the future. need to encourage faster payments of career in journalism. It will support the a year. We have an established cash flow encouraging and supporting the National with the promotional both personal and corporate invoices to Initiatives to encourage diversity in work of the Independent Press Standards pattern, with income arriving early in the Council for the Training of Journalists. The activity we undertake for overcome the resultant cash flow issues. the industry were also discussed so Organisation in its regulatory role. It is year and expenditure reaching a peak at approved courses and qualifications have that newsrooms can better reflect the always available to offer advice to those the industry as a whole. the year end, due to the conference and Overall, finances have been managed well achieved growing status as a ‘must-have’ communities they serve. The Journalism involved in the training of journalists, both awards programmes being held in over the year. We have invested in the for journalists seeking to enter any part of Diversity Fund, set up by the Society of and mentoring and guidance to would- While the annual accounts for 2015 are the winter months. redevelopment of the website, initiated a the industry. Editors and the NCTJ in 2005, celebrated be journalists through talks, lectures and fundamentally sound, we continue to rely significant recruitment campaign, delivered heavily on the support of the industry We maintain vigilant on expenditure in In response to editors’ requirements in its 10th anniversary and to date it has individual counselling. We have created cost-effective and sustainable events, and and our partners, for which we remain all areas. We have to continually renew 2015, the NCTJ unveiled its revamp of awarded more than 200 bursaries to a new membership category so that controlled costs. The next few years will ever grateful, and which we must seek efforts to increase sponsorship for the the Diploma in Journalism which aims to support students from backgrounds of trainee journalists can demonstrate their require a concerted effort to generate to increase as our activity and influence awards programmes and for general integrate digital and traditional skills, and all kinds helping them forge successful commitment to the industry and the new income and increase commitment grows. activities on behalf of the industry. In cater for all sectors of the industry across careers. Society’s aims and objectives through from all arms of the media industry we addition we have to progress membership all news platforms. student membership. strive to champion. The Society continues to support and The formal accounts for 2015 show we recruitment activity, which has already had maintained or increased revenues Changes include revising the structure of promote the fund passionately because it attracted members from new areas and carefully controlled costs. However, the diploma to cover mandatory subjects is right so to do, both ethically and for the including students and associate members. based on the snapshot position at 31 and, for the first time, making skills such future success of the media. That is an investment both in future December they show a loss for the as public affairs, shorthand and media editors and the future of the Society. The Society supports excellence through year and therefore a negative figure for law court reporting elective rather than its awards handed out in its name in members’ reserves at the year end. That We remain a victim of our own success in compulsory. While some skills remain the National Qualification in Journalism picture changed within days as the New that costs continue to grow but we believe essential in any newsroom, it is important exams and the Awards for Excellence that Year began and funds owed to us were that as our profile develops so too does that as the industry adapts, our training of highlight the hard work and dedication realised. By the end of the first quarter our ability to access new revenue. Profile journalists properly reflects the newsroom Ian Murray that goes into mastering necessary skills. of 2016 the accounts revealed a more and revenues are, of course, interlinked Moira Sleight of today especially the ability to spot and Chairman, Training Committee healthy position with a positive net figure and both require considerable effort in Editor and Publisher develop a story for its intended platform. SoE members have crucial roles on the Editor in Chief, Southern Daily Echo of £109,249 owed to us. Adding in money order to achieve our ambitions. Methodist Recorder 12 13 DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT Profit and loss account Accounts The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2015 and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 2014 SOCIETY OF EDITORS 2015 Company law requires the directors to prepare financial COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE Note £ £ FINANCIAL STATEMENTS statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance TURNOVER 1 416,189 366,061 with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice Administrative expenses (458,019) (431,997) (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). This is an extract from the full company accounts which are available for inspection at the society’s office and onthe Under company law the directors must not approve the website www.societyofeditors.org financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a OPERATING LOSS 2 (41,830) (65,936) true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of Interest receivable and similar income 175 127 PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: The principal activity of the company during the period was • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them (65,809) to represent newspaper editors and their counterparts in LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 3 (41,655) consistently; broadcasting as a professional association. • make judgments and accounting estimates that are Tax on loss on ordinary activities - (6) reasonable and prudent; DIRECTORS • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 8 (41,655) (65,815) unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will S Bucks, P S Connolly, G M Dudman, C M Elliott, R C Esser, continue in business. J D Grun, D Martin, I D Murray, B Phillips Jones, R E Satchwell, S J Ryan, M R Sleight, N D Turner, F Unsworth, D Wills, The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting A S Gow, M J Dodsworth records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time Company secretary R E Satchwell the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act Registered Number 03047323 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the Registered office The University Centre prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Granta Place, Mill Lane SMALL COMPANY PROVISIONS Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this CB2 1RU Directors’ Report is approved has confirmed that: This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Auditor Price Bailey LLP • so far as that director is aware, there is no relevant audit Chartered Accountants information of which the company’s auditors are unaware, This report was approved by the board on and signed on its behalf. Tennyson House and Cambridge Business Park • that director has taken all the steps that ought to have been R E Satchwell Cambridge taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant Company Secretary CB4 0WZ audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information. 14 15 Balance sheet Notes to the financial statements As at 31 December 2015 For the year ended 31 December 2015 1 BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2015 2014 The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in Note £ £ £ £ accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015). FIXED ASSETS 2 OPERATING LOSS Tangible assets 4 114 209 The operating loss is stated after charging: 2015 2014 £ £ CURRENT ASSETS Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned by the company 95 153 Debtors 5 46,291 104,684 Auditor's remuneration 2,800 6,666 Cash at bank 73,528 55,237 119,819 159,921 During the year, no director received any emoluments (2014 - £NIL).
3 TAXATION 2015 2014 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 6 (126,751) (125,293) £ £ Adjustments in respect of prior periods - 6 Tax on loss on ordinary activities NET CURRENT ASSETS (6,932) 34,628 - 6 NET ASSETS (6,818) 34,837 Factors that may affect future tax charges The company has tax losses carried forward of £37,575 (2014: £22,654) to utilise against future profits. CAPITAL AND RESERVES Profit and loss account 8 (6,818) 34,837 4 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Office equipment (6,818) 34,837 Cost £ At 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015 13,602
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to small Depreciation companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard At 1 January 2015 13,393 for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015). Charge for the year 95 At 31 December 2015 The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 13,488
R E Satchwell Net Book Value Director At 31 December 2015 114 At 31 December 2014 209 16 17 Notes to the financial statements Detailed trading and profit and loss account For the year ended 31 December 2015 For the year ended 31 December 2015
5 DEBTORS 2015 2014 2015 2014 £ £ TURNOVER £ £ Trade debtors 28,041 70,820 Subscriptions 22,027 10,788 Other debtors 18,250 33,864 Conference income 357,924 321,021 46,291 104,684 Sponsorship 33,333 33,333 Book sales and other income 2,905 919 6 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 2015 2014 416,189 366,061 £ £ 2015 2014 Trade creditors 66,857 28,166 Corporation tax 84 - ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES £ £ Other taxation and social security 456 1,509 National Secretary 114,468 110,831 Other creditors 59,354 95,618 Rent and water rates 12,022 12,037 2,867 126,751 125,293 Insurances 2,686 7 COMPANY STATUS Travel and subsistence 3,627 3,812 6,429 The company is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital. Telephone and internet expenses 13,556 Each of the members is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 for every full member, and 25 Printing, stationery and postage 6,367 2,308 pence for every other member, towards the assets of the company in the event of liquidation. Sundry expenses 162 653 162 653 Profit and Conference expenses 277,352 254,877 8 RESERVES loss account £ Meeting expenses 119 764 At 1 January 2015 34,837 Books and publications 3,944 3,659 Loss for the financial year (41,655) Gifts and donations 12,591 9,487 At 31 December 2015 (6,818) Entertainment 2,238 177 Irrecoverable VAT - 536 9 RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN MEMBERS’ FUNDS 2015 2014 Legal and professional - 11,301 £ £ Opening members’ funds 34,837 100,652 Accountancy fees 4,458 4,021 Loss for the financial year (41,655) (65,815) Auditors’ remuneration 2,800 6,666 Closing members’ (deficit)/funds (6,818) 34,837 Depreciation 95 153 Bank charges 1,534 1,419 10 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 458,019 431,997 RR E Satchwell is a director of the company. During the year the company incurred consultancy fees and reimbursed expenses of £74,928 (2014: £62,036) from R E Satchwell. 2015 2014 INTEREST RECEIVABLE £ £ S J Ryan is a director of the company. During the year the company incurred consultancy fees of £2,500 Bank interest receivable (2014: £5,000) from S J Ryan. 175 127 18 19 Society Society Profile Officials
Objectives of the Society Committees and External Representation President Chairman, Parliamentary and Legal Committee Nick Turner Jonathan Grun • To defend and promote the freedom of the media and to The Society’s two standing committees – Parliamentary and champion the universal right to freedom of expression. Legal and Training – draw up policy guidelines and report to the Vice President Executive Director and Company Secretary board through the chairmen. Working parties and think tanks • To represent members’ interests in all matters of editorial and Ian MacGregor Bob Satchwell professional concern and interest. are set up as required. The Society welcomes any time that members can give to support its work. Society members serve • To monitor legislation on matters affecting the news media either Immediate Past President Accountants on key industry bodies including the Editors’ Code Committee, directly or indirectly and to make appropriate representations to Doug Wills Price Bailey the Defence Security and Media Advisory Notice System, the parliaments, regional assemblies, the European Commission and National Council for the Training of Journalists, regional training Parliament and other organisations and authorities at all levels Honorary Treasurer advisory committees and the Journalism Diversity Fund which of public life. Moira Sleight the Society founded with the NCTJ. • To interpret legislation and advisory notices to other organisations. The Society works closely with other industry organisations Chairman, Training Committee • To provide a forum for discussion of the practical problems of including the News Media Association and Media Lawyers’ Donald Martin editorship and to promote the objectives of the Company. Association and the regulatory affairs teams provide legal and Research Officer Administrator • To provide access to a network of professional contacts. research support. Claire Meadows Angela Upton • To offer advice to members on issues of practical and ethical The Society also co-operates with other organisations by concern and to support other bodies in promoting standards in briefing visiting groups of editors from around the world. The journalism, the independence of the media and self-regulation. Society maintains links with the Government Information and • To help improve the quality of journalism through the active Communications Service, the Association of Police Public support of education and training. Relations Officers, the Information Commissioner, the Policing College, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other public • To represent the UK’s senior journalists internationally, assisting MAGSTAR organisations. It frequently submits evidence and comment to editors abroad to establish independence and ethical standards. Government consultations, to Parliamentary committees and the The Society is supported by MagStar Ltd who organise events for the Society including the annual conference, the National Press Governing Body Competition Commission. Awards, the Regional Press Awards and regional seminars. The Society is managed by a board of directors elected by the The Society has close working relationships with the Campaign membership and administered by an executive director. An for Freedom of Information, the London Press Club, the Media Their team is: advisory council made up of senior figures in the industry offers Society, the Journalists’ Charity and the Media Trust. It works with advice and support. other organisations such as the Samaritans, the Youth Media Agency, the Age Action Alliance and other lobbying groups.
International Links The Society has long-standing relationships with the CPU Media Trust (formerly the Commonwealth Press Union), WAN IFRA, the Lyn Disley Paul Foulsham Krizia Gallone Robyn Honey Olivia Disley-Stevens Adrienne Deller Global Editors’ Network and ISWNE (International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors based in the USA.) Their David Greenslade Managing Director Creative Director Head of Market Head of Operations Marketing Project Administration Manager Development and Events and Digital Systems Coordinator Bursary enables a member to visit North America. 20 21 Members of the Society are assigned a region. They are given Administration and details of board members or other regional contacts. Regional The Society meetings are organised to meet the requirements of members Committees in those regions, if they so wish. In the Regions
Board Parliamentary and Legal Committee REGIONAL BOUNDARIES
Charles Garside, Alison Gow, Jonathan Grun, Barrie Jones, Ian Chairman: Jonathan Grun Eastern Region MacGregor, Donald Martin, Ian Murray, Sue Ryan, Bob Satchwell, Members Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, North Essex and Kettering. Moira Sleight, Nick Turner, Francesca Unsworth, Doug Wills, Northern Nigel Pickover, Editor-in-chief, Archant Norfolk,01603 772401, Joy Yates. John Battle, Ian Beales, Neil Benson, Guy Black, Peter Cole, [email protected]. Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham (Paul Connolly, Graham Dudman, Robin Esser, Simon Bucks and Catherine Courtney, Edmund Curran, Mike Dodd, Chris Elliott, Society of Editors head office, Cambridge Joy Yates, Group Editor, Johnston Press North East, Chris Elliott retired from the board during the year) Robin Esser, Sarah Edmonds, Jonathan Grun, Phil Harding, 01223 304080, [email protected] [email protected] Past Presidents Tony Jaffa, Anthony Longden, Marcus Partington, Ian Murray, Peter Preston, Santha Rasaiah, David Jordon, Caroline Kean, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Scotland Doug Wills, Ian Murray, Jonathan Grun, Francesca Unsworth, Mary Russell, Sue Ryan, Bob Satchwell, Hannah Walker, Paul Connolly, 02890 264000, [email protected] Donald Martin, Head of Publishing, DC Thomson Robin Esser, Donald Martin, Nigel Pickover, Simon Bucks, Simon Westrop, Doug Wills, Peter Wright, Ian MacGregor 01382 575788, [email protected] Paul Horrocks, Charles McGhee, Keith Sutton, Neil Benson, and Simon Bucks. London & Home Counties Jonathan Grun, Liz Page, Edmund Curran, Neil Fowler, Wales Training Committee Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Geoff Elliott. Berkshire, Central London, Greater London, Surrey, Kent, Barrie Jones, Editorial Director, NWN Media West and East Sussex, Essex (South). Advisory Council Chairman: Ian Murray 01352 707721, [email protected] Ms Moira Sleight, Editor and Publisher, Methodist Recorder, Members Wessex Kevin Beatty, Robin Burgess, Paul Dacre, Paul Davidson, 020 7793 0033, [email protected] Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, parts of Somerset, Newbury, Simon Fox, Phil Harding, Adrian Jeakings, Clive Jones, Joanne Butcher, Graham Dudman, Cathy Duncan, Robin Elias, Midlands Reading, Salisbury and Wokingham. Murdoch MacLennan, Chris Oakley, Richard Tait. Jonathan Grun, Marie Kinsey, Stephen Mitchell, David Rowell, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Ian Murray, Editor-in-Chief, The Southern Daily Echo, Chris Rushton, Sue Ryan, Keith Stafford, Peter Cole, Fellows Lincolnshire, Humberside south of River Humber, Peterborough, 02380 424777, [email protected] Donald Martin, Peter Sands, Richard Tait, Barrie Jones, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Hereford and Worcester, Western Ian Beales, Ben Bradlee, Peter Cole, Andrew Colman, Doug Wills and Roz MacKenzie. West Midlands, Warwickshire, and Welshpool and Banbury. Edmund Curran, Geoff Elliott, Robin Esser, Phil Harding, *Board members can attend standing committees Neil White, Editor, Derby Telegraph, Gloucestershire, Avon, parts of Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon and David Meara, Bob Pinker, Peter Preston, Alan Rusbridger, ex officio if they are not already members. 01332 253 058, [email protected] Cornwall. Richard Tait. North Western Andy Cooper, Editor, Devon Life, 01803 860910, [email protected] Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester Yorkshire and Leek. Nick Turner, Digital Strategy Manager, CN Group, 01228 South, West and North Yorkshire, and Humberside north of Financial Administration 612321, [email protected] River Humber. Richard Catlow, [email protected] Peter Charlton, former Editorial Director, Yorkshire Post The income of the Society, whatever its source, must be applied solely in promoting the objects of the Society. Ken Bennett, 01457 820494, [email protected] Newspapers, [email protected]
22 23 Society of Editors AGM
NOTICE OF THE EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY OF EDITORS TO BE HELD ON MONDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2016 AT THE HALSTON, CARLISLE
Any full or deputy member who wishes to put a resolution or raise a matter under any other business should advise the executive director by Friday 30 September 2016. Full and deputy members are entitled to vote and qualified members may appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his or her stead in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association. A copy is available on the website www.societyofeditors.org or from the executive director. To be valid a proxy must be received at the Society office no later than on Friday 30 September 2016 or at the Halston, Carlisle by 12 noon on Sunday 16th October 2016. R E Satchwell Executive Director and Company Secretary
AGENDA
1. President’s opening remarks 9. To note and approve the appointment by the board of 2. Apologies for absence Jonathan Grun as chairman of the parliamentary and legal committee for a period of three years. This is the 3. MINUTES: To adopt, if approved, the minutes of the Annual unanimous proposal of the board. General Meeting held on 18 October 2015. 10. To note and approve the re-appointment by the board of 4. ACCOUNTS: To receive and, if approved, adopt the Moira Sleight as Honorary Treasurer. This is the unanimous accounts for the financial year up to 31 December 2015. proposal of the board. 5. ANNUAL REPORT 2015/16: To receive and, if approved, 11. To note and approve the re-appointment by the board adopt the Annual Report for 2015/16. of Bob Satchwell as Executive Director and Company 6. To record the Society’s thanks for service on the board Secretary. to Graham Dudman, Simon Bucks, Chris Elliott and Robin 12. To elect the President for the year 2016-2017: Ian Esser who retired from the board during the year. MacGregor, Weekend Editor of the Telegraph, is the 7. To confirm co-option of Charles Garside as an ordinary unanimous proposal of the board. member of the board for three years. This is the 13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will take unanimous proposal of the board. place in the Autumn of 2017 at a time and venue to be 8. To re-elect Fran Unsworth and Donald Martin as ordinary confirmed. members of the board for a period of three years. This is 14. Any other business. the unanimous proposal of the board.
24 Telephone: 01223 304080 Email: [email protected] Website: www.societyofeditors.org Twitter: @socofeduk