Leo Varadkar TD, Taoiseach of Ireland, and the Rt Hon Liz Truss, MP and former UK Prime Minister, are the first headline speakers for News Xchange 2023 – the annual conference for the international news industry, taking place in Dublin between 19-20 June. 

Both speakers have track records in pushing boundaries and creating headlines. Varadkar is serving his second term as Ireland’s leader and is the country’s first openly gay Taoiseach. Truss promised the UK a shakeup – but it resulted in her being the shortest-serving PM in UK history. 

The Taoiseach will be speaking about actions the Irish Government is taking to maintain a thriving media landscape in Ireland and warning of the threat to media freedom in many parts of the world in the face of growing autocracy and misinformation.

Liz Truss will discuss the impact of the constant demands of the 24-hour news cycle on government and the influence of social media on the news agenda. Reflecting on more than ten years in ministerial office, she will assess how the reporting of crucial issues facing Britain and the world can in turn shape political outcomes.

The speakers and delegates will be welcomed by Noel Curran, Director General, European Broadcasting Union (EBU) who will set the scene for the event which comes at a time of unprecedented turbulence for the international news industry, as journalists and news editors navigate multiple challenges against the backdrop of a rapidly changing media landscape.

Liz Corbin is Deputy Director Media and Head of News for the EBU, “Our headline speakers represent the very essence of News Xchange – an event made by the news industry for the news industry and, by never shying away from disruption and controversy, an event that often creates the news too. After too long an absence due to Covid restrictions, News Xchange is back to reclaim its position as the leading industry event for news leaders.”

Mark Rowland, Executive Director, News Agenda Ltd and C21 Media Ltd, organizers of the event in partnership with the EBU, said: "We are delighted to be relaunching News Xchange in Dublin, in the company of the Taoiseach. And to have the opportunity to hear first hand, the views of two such notable leaders on the coverage they receive and how they see the future relationship between news and politics."

The theme for News Xchange 2023 will be the Frontlines Of News and will consider the challenge of reporting from a number of frontlines including War, Climate, Digital, Political, Health & Wellbeing, Generational, Inclusion & Diversity, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, network with peers, and gain valuable knowledge and insights from a raft of expert speakers.

The event will take place at the Convention Centre Dublin on 19-20 June 2023. For more details and to register (early bird tickets available on a first come, first served basis), click here.