Register now to be a part of this national conference! / Cofrestrwch nawr i fod yn rhan o'r gynhadledd genedlaethol hon!

A media fit for Wales?

In this major conference hosted by the National Union of Journalists in Wales, we ask some of the biggest questions facing the Welsh media industry in 2026:

• How well does the media serve the Welsh public?

• How best can we shape and support the public interest journalism of tomorrow?

• How can we ensure the media industry is properly representative of our communities across Wales?

• How can we nurture and retain the best Welsh journalism talent?

• Does the Senedd need more devolved powers over the media in Wales?

The conference aims to spark important conversations about the current state of the media in Wales, and how we can achieve a media industry that’s fit for the nation.

Invited speakers include First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, Culture and Media Minister Heledd Fychan, author and journalist Will Hayward along with industry leaders from across newspapers, broadcasting, magazines, hyperlocals and digital news providers in both the English and Welsh languages.

Session 1

Is there a devolution knowledge gap?

Professor Stephen Cushion’s team at Cardiff University will present their far-reaching analysis of the coverage of Wales and Welsh politics around the May 2026 election. The report shows how little coverage there was of the Senedd election in UK-wide news. Experts Joe Rossiter (Institute of Welsh Affairs) and Will Hayward (the Will Hayward Newsletter and author of Who Cares About Wales) will join them to discuss the coverage, explore the structural challenges holding Welsh media back and suggest how Senedd elections could be covered in future.

Session 2

Broadcasting a Bigger Vision for Wales

We invite contributors from across Welsh broadcasting to reimagine a future in which Wales is given equal billing in the UK media, and what it might take to bring it about. Representatives from ITV Wales, BBC Wales, S4C and Bro Radio will discuss whether giving Wales more power over broadcasting could be the solution, or whether there are other ways to achieve the same goal.

Session 3

How should we pay for Welsh journalism?

The Welsh media industry is shrinking, largely thanks to declining revenues. The NUJ has long lobbied for public funding of public interest journalism in Wales. But how can such funding best be used? With panelists from across the Welsh newspaper, hyperlocal and magazine sectors alongside major funders like the Books Council of Wales, we explore best practice in journalism funding, and look at some of the pitfalls and problems. With the increasing issue of news deserts and the decrease in journalism jobs in Wales, we discuss how best to ensure funding is targeted at the right outlets to improve the cultural and political life of Wales.

Refreshments, snacks and lunch will be provided throughout the day.

Workshops

There will also be an opportunity to take part in a short workshop during the day, in partnership with NUJ Training Wales. Delegates can choose from:

Workshop A: AI and journalism

Seasoned journalist and trainer Dan Mason will take you on a whistlestop tour of AI and its capabilities. Whether you’re interested in knowing what you’re up against on the newsdesk, or keen to see how AI could help you in your working life, then this session is a fantastic introduction.

Workshop B: Responding to the revolution / Llwyddo mewn chwyldro

How communicators can maximise impact in the new media landscape with communications expert Richard Nosworthy (This session will be delivered in Welsh, with simultaneous translation.)

The conference will be delivered with Welsh and English simultaneous translation throughout, and all contributors given the option to use the language of their choice. BSL and speech to text reporters will also be available throughout the conference.

To ensure we can provide an excellent lunch for all delegates, keep track of numbers and avoid unecessary waste, we are asking for a £5 refundable deposit to secure your place.

We want this event to be accessible to everyone. If you are a student or unable to afford the deposit, please get in touch at trainingwales1@nuj.org.uk and we will register you directly.

Registration with Tea and coffee from 9:30 - 10:00 hrs

Cymraeg

Cyfryngau sy'n addas i Gymru?

Yn y brif gynhadledd hon dan lywyddiaeth Undeb Cenedlaethol y Newyddiadurwyr yng Nghymru, rydym yn gofyn rhai o'r cwestiynau mwyaf sy'n wynebu diwydiant y cyfryngau yng Nghymru yn 2026:

• Pa mor dda mae'r cyfryngau'n gwasanaethu'r cyhoedd yng Nghymru?

• Beth yw'r ffordd orau o lunio a chefnogi newyddiaduraeth er budd y cyhoedd yfory?

• Sut allwn ni sicrhau bod diwydiant y cyfryngau yn cynrychioli ein cymunedau’n gywir ledled Cymru?

• Sut allwn ni feithrin a chadw doniau newyddiaduraeth gorau Cymru?

• A ddylai'r Senedd gael mwy o bwerau datganoledig dros y cyfryngau yng Nghymru?

Nod y gynhadledd yw sbarduno sgyrsiau pwysig ynglŷn â chyflw

Description supplied by the event organiser.