Venue: Methodist Central Hall Westminster, Storey’s Gate, London SW1H 9NH
When: Monday 29 June 2026, 10:00 – 17:00 BST
Tickets: £25, buy tickets here >>
The annual Religion Media Festival will be held on Monday 29 June at Methodist Central Hall from 10:00 – 17:00, when we will be hosting panels and hearing from speakers on a range of issues, from religious broadcasting in a digital age, to antisemitism and Islamophobia, to how Christianity is enmeshed in political debate.
Well-known religion journalists will be quizzed on their work and host the discussions.
From mainstream television, radio and print, to the huge engagement with religion online and in social media, this is an essential event for anyone wanting to help shape or critique the narrative of modern-day religion.
An unmissable event at the intersection of journalism and religion – the day will be packed with excellent speakers, in-depth discussions, panel talks delving into all aspects of the presentation of religion, and networking over tea/coffee and a light sandwich buffet lunch (included in ticket price).
Some of the confirmed items so far can be seen below, but keep checking back, as we’ll be adding new speakers and panels soon!
| 1000 | Doors open | Tea and coffee available. |
| 1030 | Introduction | A welcome and introduction from our presenter |
| 10:35 | Keynote | The Archbishop of York will be giving a keynote speech on “Protecting the place of religion in the media in a digital age”, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Roger Bolton with: Daisy Scalchi, Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Television Gareth Barr, ITV Director of Policy & Regulation Professor Adam Dinham, director of the Faiths & Civil Society Unit, Goldsmiths, University of London |
| Panel Discussion | A panel of content creators translating faith into compelling stories for large audiences will lift the lid on their work. Host: Jessie Paktiazay | |
| 1245 | LUNCH | Light sandwich buffet lunch (included in ticket price). |
| Panel Discussion | Journalists reporting religion will discuss the stories they have covered. Host: Rosie Dawson | |
| Interview | “Reporting statistics – lessons learned from the Quiet Revival” – Professor Sir John Curtice interviewed by Tim Wyatt | |
| Panel Discussion | A panel of MPs will talk about the way Christianity informs their differing political views, in this volatile age. | |
| 15:45 | BREAK | Opportunity for networking |
| 16:00 | Interviews | Signatories to the Drumlanrig Accords, an agreement aimed at fostering reconciliation and collaboration between Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK, will reflect on the role of the media at a time of heightened social tension. |
| 17:00 | ENDS |
