In both Britain and France concern is growing about the future of newspapers. As increasing numbers of people access news online, newspaper circulation and advertising revenues have come under greater pressure.  Many, both from within the industry and beyond, are worrying about how the traditional democratic functions of the press will be met if current trends continue.

This conference will bring together two newspaper Editors who are engaged in transforming their publications to adapt to the new world - Alan Rusbridger of The Guardian and Laurent Joffrin of Libération - with French and British analysts and policymakers comparing the differing challenges, industry and policy responses, as well as policy styles in the two countries.

The policy focus on the French side will be on the follow up to the Etats Généraux de la Presse, which reported in early 2009, and whose innovative suggestion that 18 year olds be given a year's subscription to the newspaper of their choice, attracted particular international interest. On the UK side the focus will be on the follow up to the Digital Britain White Paper published in June, together with Ofcom's review of Local News.

David Levy, Director, Reuters Institute

Confirmed Speakers include:

Laurent Joffrin, Editor, Libération

Professor Raymond Kuhn, Queen Mary University of London

Bruno Patino, Director France Culture, and Chair of the Press & Internet group of the Etats Généraux de la Presse

Professor Robert Picard, University of Jonkoping/Visiting Fellow, Reuters Institute

Stewart Purvis, Partner for Content and Standards, Ofcom

Alan Rusbridger, Editor, The Guardian

Representative of the Direction du développement des médias, French Prime Ministers Office

Juan Senor, Partner Innovation Consulting/Visiting Fellow, Reuters Institute