Media democracy fesitval 2026
At The Press Justice Project (PJP), our mission has always been clear: to combat press wrongdoing, protect the public from media abuse, and ensure that our national media conversation is built on a foundation of ethics and accountability.
Press standards do not exist in a vacuum. They are inextricably linked to how our media is owned, funded, and regulated. That is why we are incredibly proud to announce that The Press Justice Project is officially sponsoring the 2026 Media Democracy Festival.
Why the Media Democracy Festival Matters
The Media Democracy Festival, hosted by the Media Reform Coalition, is the UK’s premier event for anyone who believes that a healthy democracy requires a healthy media.
The statistics are a stark reminder of why we do what we do:
90% of our daily newspapers are controlled by just three companies.
70% of the UK public do not trust the media to be objective.
The UK’s public service broadcasters, like the BBC and Channel 4, face constant threats of privatization and political interference.
When media power is concentrated in the hands of a few unaccountable billionaires, the truth is often the first casualty and there are more victims of press abuse created as a result. The Media Democracy Festival is the space where we come together to challenge this status quo.
PJP at the Festival
Our sponsorship of this year’s festival reflects our commitment to a broader movement for media reform. Throughout the day, we will be joining journalists, activists, and academics to discuss the urgent need for a media that serves the public interest rather than corporate agendas.
We will be bringing the core issues of PJP to the forefront, and speaking on behalf of victims of press abuse:
Ethical Reporting Guidelines & Standards: Moving beyond the toothless "Editors' Code" to a system of regulation that actually protects victims of press abuse.
Access to Justice: Ensuring that ordinary citizens have a way to hold powerful news organizations to account without needing a "billionaire's budget."
Media Literacy: Helping the public navigate a landscape increasingly shaped by misinformation and sensationalism.
Join Us in London
The festival is more than just a series of talks; it centres around a "People’s Assembly" - a democratic tool designed to build strategies for real change. Whether you are a student, a campaigner, or simply someone concerned about the state of our news, your voice is needed.
When: Saturday, 27th June 2026 | 09:00 – 18:00
Where: University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus, London
Tickets: Available now via Eventbrite
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to build a media that is accountable, democratic, and just.
For more updates on our work and our participation in the festival, follow us on your preferred social platform or sign up for our newsletter linktr.ee/pjp