The Watchdog Role | NCL in Action | Newcastle University

In an era of rapid information flows and global political upheaval, journalism stands at the crossroads of truth and power.

The media not only reports on world events but actively shapes them—exposing corruption, influencing public opinion, and challenging governments in real time. In 2026, disinformation spreads faster than ever, press freedoms face mounting threats, and the rise of technology threatens the validity of reporting. The role of journalism in safeguarding democracy is critical yet increasingly under threat. The question is not just how journalism reflects politics today, but whether it can define the political landscape of tomorrow.

Join an all‑female panel of world‑leading journalists for a powerful conversation on how the press shapes democracy. Explore the evolving role of journalism and ask what responsibilities reporters will carry in shaping democracy in 2026 and beyond.

Please save the date for this evening event in London on Tuesday 5 May 2026. Registration will open in due course.

Meet the panellists

Kate Adie

Journalist and Broadcaster

Kate Adie grew up in Sunderland, and joined BBC Radio Durham after leaving Newcastle University where she read Swedish.

As BBC Chief News Correspondent she covered major stories, including both Gulf Wars, the SAS storming of the Iranian Embassy, and the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing.

She lives in Dorset and presents on Radio 4.

Pippa Crerar

Political Editor, The Guardian

Pippa Crerar is Political Editor of the Guardian and has covered Westminster and international politics for more than two decades, reporting on six general elections, seven prime ministers and too many major news stories to mention, from the Iraq war and the financial crash to Brexit and parliamentary scandals.

She has trusted contacts right at the heart of government, across Whitehall and in the main opposition parties, so has a deep insight into what is going on in British politics and beyond.

Pippa previously held the same role at the Daily Mirror where she exposed the Partygate and Barnard Castle scandals. Prior to that, she covered politics at the London Evening Standard.

She is a multi-award winning journalist who is currently Journalist of the Year with the London Press Club, the Society of Editors and the British Journalism Awards.

Kayleigh Fraser

Senior Reporter, The Northern Echo

Kayleigh Fraser is a Senior Reporter for The Northern Echo, based in Darlington and began her career in journalism in early 2023.

Since then, she has covered everything from breaking news, inquests, politics and more across the North East. Most notably, she was a part of an award-winning campaign which helped secure the future of Newton Aycliffe’s Hitachi factory. She also broke the story of Leah Harrison, a 10-year-old Darlington girl who was swept away by a mudslide on a school trip, beating national publications and this year told the story of a rape victim who was brave enough to sign away her anonymity after her abuser was jailed.

She was named in the Press 30 under 30 Awards in October 2025 and praised by judges for ‘top class regional journalism’.

Ruth Sunderland MA, FRSA

Award-Winning Business Journalist | Senior Editorial Leader | Broadcaster

Newcastle University alumna, Ruth Sunderland, is an acclaimed business journalist, broadcaster, and senior editorial executive with a track record of agenda-setting interviews, scoops, insightful features and successful campaigns.

Before starting up her own company this autumn, she was Group Business Editor for the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, leading a seven-day business news operation with national influence.

Awarded Business Journalist of the Year 2022 by London Press Club, Ruth has 20+ years newsroom leadership experience. She has interviewed global leaders including Bill Gates and Andrew Bailey, has produced and presented documentaries for BBC Radio 4’s Analysis and In Business and has been a regular guest on Sky’s Ian King Live.