Truth in the Age of Algorithms

Join us to hear from leading voices to explore how media is being reshaped by social platforms, A.I. and new media channels.

'Truth in the Age of Algorithms' brings together leading voices to explore how media is being reshaped by social platforms, A.I. and new media channels.

From deepfakes and misinformation to news in a 'post-truth' world, this lively panel will unpack who shapes what we see and what we believe.

Join the debate, challenge perspectives and learn how to navigate today's fast changing information landscape.

Hear from:

• Adrian Goldberg - Host of the Byline Times podcast and Where's the Money Gone? podcast
• Liz Hannam - Head of News at ITV CentralAdrian Goldberg - Host of the Byline Times podcast and Where's the Money Gone? podcast
• Afroze Zaidi -Journalist & researcher
• Fionnuala Bourke -Freelance journalist
• Samuel McIlhagga - Editor at SinoAméricas and freelance writer.

David Searle FTLS, our Honorary Secretary will host the evening.

The event will commence at 1800 with a networking reception, refreshments will be available (tea/coffee/water). Drinks can also be purchased from the bar in Fletchers.

Speaker Biographies

Adrian Goldberg

Adrian Goldberg is an award-winning radio presenter, TV host and podcast producer. He was the founding editor and presenter of the Byline podcast which has so far generated more than 2m downloads. He recently released his first book, ‘Where’s The Money Gone? The Battle For The Soul Of English Football” via Byline Books. Adrian’s radio credits include a decade presenting the weekly 5 Live Investigates for the BBC and regular continuing appearances hosting Radio 4’s File on 4 Investigates. Alongside his investigative work, he has presented a range of shows on both 5 Live (including Breakfast, Lates and Drive) and Radio 4 (Profile, Pick of the Week). On television he was a regular reporter on BBC1’s consumer programme Watchdog alongside Anne Robinson and Nicky Campbell, and has also presented ITV’s current affairs show Tonight.

Liz Hannam
Liz Hannam is ITV’s longest-serving regional Head of News. She started out as a trainee in 1989 and worked her way up through the ranks, eventually leading the newsrooms at both ITV West and ITV Central. Under her leadership, her programmes have won the prestigious national RTS award for Best Programme four times. Having spent decades at the heart of British broadcasting, Liz offers a down-to-earth perspective on how the industry can embrace new technology without losing the human touch that local news is built on.

Afroze Zaidi

Afroze is a Birmingham-based journalist, writer and independent researcher. Afroze completed a Masters degree in Religious Studies at the University of Birmingham and has lived in the city for the past 19 years. She has a background is in project coordination, research and political and business journalism, including writing and editing for independent and online media. Her interests include issues facing disadvantaged and marginalised groups in the UK in all their intersections, along with other major issues in British and global politics.

Samuel McIlhagga

Samuel McIlhagga is a journalist and analyst, who runs SinoAméricas, a wire covering China-Latin American developments. In 2024, he won the Rupert Cornwall Prize for foreign reporting — writing on land conflict and farming in Mexico. He also covers UK and West Midlands politics for outlets such as UnHerd, The Critic, and The Globe and Mail. He was formerly a staff writer at the Birmingham Dispatch.

Fionnuala Bourke

Fionnuala Bourke is a Birmingham-based journalist, editor and content strategist with nearly three decades of experience across regional media. Having built her career in traditional newsrooms, she has navigated the rapid evolution of the industry firsthand—from print to digital, and now to an era shaped by social platforms, AI and emerging media formats. Now working freelance, Fionnuala specialises in food and drink, sustainability, arts and culture, travel, wellbeing and beauty. Her work focuses on connecting audiences with meaningful, well-told stories while adapting to the changing ways people consume content. Bringing both legacy media insight and a forward-looking perspective, she offers a grounded, practical view on how journalism is being reshaped—balancing the opportunities of new platforms and technologies with the enduring value of trusted storytelling.

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