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Exciting Lineup Revealed for Women in Media National Conference 2024 in Sydney

Women's storytelling; the media’s influence on men’s violence against women; the intersection between press freedom and the law; using AI for good; challenges to media trust; and the balance between online opportunities and safety for women in the digital realm of ever evolving risks. These are all key issues that will be explored at this year’s 2024 National Women in Media Conference as the full schedule for the August 9 event is revealed. 


Happening at the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth, this year’s conference has been crafted to cover the topics most relevant to women in the industry.


The National Conference is known for its uplifting and supportive atmosphere and convening women of all career stages from across the media industry and high calibre speakers. Even heavier subject matter 


Discussing these important themes include stalwarts of the media industry: the brandmakers, advertising creatives, PR, marketing and communications guns creating the messages we consume everyday; the changemakers in storytelling, business and government; trailblazers in Australian film and TV; the political movers and shakers and policy makers; and key experts and figures across media. All will delve into crucial issues of gender, media, and society. 


“The National Conference is a day to come together, and learn from and be inspired by other women in the industry – whether they are just starting out in their careers, or have established themselves over decades as leaders laying pathways and opening doors for all the women in the industry coming after them,” says Kym Middleton, General Manager of Women in Media. 


“You will make incredible contacts at the National Conference; gain new skills in AI, communication and storytelling; and have a refreshed passion for your career and industry,” she says.


"It is a motivating day of professional development in an encouraging and supportive environment, and also a lot of fun!”

“Women in Media are proud to present this program which has been carefully curated to reflect and explore the issues women across our industry have been telling us matter most to them,” Kym Middleton says.


Please find the full program here.


About the sessions


Media and Men’s Violence Against Women

This urgent conversation will explore how our industry influences the national crisis of men’s violence against women – from news coverage and advertising, to social platforms and fictional storytelling on screen, stage and page. Hear from acclaimed screen creator and survivor who has depicted men’s violence against women in her film The Drover’s Wife, Leah Purcell AM; primary prevention specialist who advises news media on responsible reporting on domestic violence, Chair of Our Watch Moo Baulch OAM; and the federal Minister for Social Services the Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP. This conversation will be moderated by Sarah Ferguson host ABC’s flagship news and current affairs program, 7.30 and the groundbreaking 2015 documentary, Hitting Home.




Rachel Griffiths AM in conversation with Liz Hayes

Australian film legend Rachel Griffiths AM joins Australian TV and interview legend Liz Hayes for an in-depth conversation about a career and life in the screen industry. Griffiths has brought countless iconic women characters into popular culture, including the feisty Rhonda Epinstalk in Muriel's Wedding, her Golden Globe winning performance of Brenda Chenowith in HBO’s Six Feet Under, and Prime Minister Anderson in Total Control, the ABC series she co-created. The award-winning, Academy nominated actress is also a director and producer with credits including Ride Like A Girl, a record-grossing Australian film. Griffiths will be joined by Liz Hayes, award-winning journalist and interviewer of Under Investigation with Liz Hayes and 60 Minutes fame. 




Life Online: Risks and Rewards

How do we safely navigate online visibility and the benefits this brings amid evolving and increasing risks of doing so – risks that are specific to women and increase with layers of intersectionality? Explore how it can be positively managed with a digital content creator, journalist and regulator. First Nations journalist and host of ABC News Breakfast Bridget Brennan reflects on her first hand experiences and research with the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, alongside internet sensation Lucinda Price (aka Froomes), and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.




Justice Michael Lee in conversation with Ita Buttrose

This special event brings together a legal and media luminary to unpick the intersections of the courts and fourth estate. Federal Court judge, the Hon. Justice Michael Lee held the unenviable task of untangling the "omnishambles" behind one of Australia’s most famous gender-political defamation trials. In a media landscape where truth and audience trust are increasingly challenged, Justice Lee joins Women in Media Patron Ita Buttrose AC OBE for an exclusive interview exploring our industry, society, and the rule of law.




The Business of Media 

Meet the women running some of the most influential businesses in the country: media businesses. Not long ago, these positions were almost exclusively held by men. Where to next for our industry? What strategies are these leaders employing for growth and sustainability, retaining consumers in a cost of living crisis, keeping up with evolving technologies, and creating positive workplace cultures? Board member of leading broadcast and on-demand radio company ARN Media Belinda Rowe, is joined by Beverely McGarvey, President of Network 10 and Head of Streaming and Regional Lead for Paramount ANZ, and newly appointed CEO of Mamamia Natalie Harvey, to reflect on these questions with host Bridget Fair, CEO of Free TV and Women in Media director.




Pivots and Portfolios

Research shows you will change careers at least once in your life, and if you are anything like the average person, you will do it three to seven times over 45 working years. This panel will explore how to best prepare for a life of so much job and career diversity, in a media environment marked by insecurity, the gig economy and revenue-sharing platforms enabling people to set up their own small businesses with: Zara Siedler, who left government to start a youth focused news service, The Daily Aus; Anisha Khopkar, who transitioned from full-time employment with traditional media organisation ABC to establish her business McAuliffe & Khopkar; columnist and author Jane Caro AM, who says she pivots so much she’s dizzy; and journalist-come-director Megan Brownlow, head of Houston Consulting and Deputy Chair of Screen Australia.




Reflecting the Real Australia in Storytelling 

As an industry we talk a lot about connecting with the diverse and multicultural country we see each day when we walk outside our doors. But often our screens and news stories struggle to reflect the true diversity of Australian audiences. In this practical, solutions focused panel presented by SBS, hear from leaders in the space about what they are doing to help drive a more diverse media and connect with audiences: Bernadine Lim, Senior Commissioning Editor of Factual at SBS; Karina Holden, producer of popular programs starring neurodivergent talent, such as Love on the Spectrum and Employable Me; and SBS World News anchor Janice Petersen.




How to Say No

One syllable. Two letters. Yet so hard to say. From wanting to 'lean in' and climb the career ladder, to avoiding disappointing your work buddy or boss, to going above and beyond for clients... there are so many reasons to say yes. But a working life where we never say no is unsustainable. With burnout disproportionately affecting women and our lives being more than our jobs, this session, hosted by Dee Madigan of Campaign Edge, looks at positive ways to put up some protective parameters in our demanding media careers. She is joined by strategist and creative director Kiranpreet Kaur Dhillon, ABC news and current affairs producer Ghada Ali, and psychologist Shuktika Bose who specialises in burnout. 





Women in Media Conference

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