Esser (pictured), who is executive managing editor of the Daily Mail, describing the SoE as a ‘defender’ of the media on every level, said: “The Society will remind politicians and the public that despite its faults and its occasional indiscretions the British media has a long and proud record.
“It fights for those who have a right to know what is being done - and spent - in their name and those most in need of protection from overbearing bureaucracy, flawed government, the rich and powerful and from arrogant hypocrites.”
And he adds: “While the model of self regulation that is essential for a free press is threatened, the integrity and independence of the whole of British journalism is at stake.”
The report highlights all the Society has achieved over the last year from a successful conference in Glasgow to taking responsibility for awards for the national press and reinventing the regional press awards.
SoE Director, Bob Satchwell said: “It has been a productive year in terms of achievements, heightened profile and new adventures.”
“It has also been the year that ugly rumours about phone hacking burst in an explosive mixture of political and media mayhem.”
The annual report for 2010-2011 is now available to download.
The Society of Editors Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday November 13 as part of the annual conference - Magna Carta II – A Modern Media Charter – that will take place between November 13 and 15 at the Runnymede on Thames Hotel, Egham, just off the M25 near Heathrow.
