SENIOR figures from newspapers across the country have this week met up for a conference of the Society of Editors.

SENIOR figures from newspapers across the country have this week met up for a conference of the Society of Editors.

And today, The Evening Star Editor Nigel Pickover became president of the prestigious society which will this year celebrate its tenth anniversary.

In his inauguration speech he thanked the outgoing president Simon Bucks, Associate Editor of online, Sky News, and spoke of his pride at what the Society had achieved for journalists across Britain.

Mr Pickover also spoke of the major role the media has played in highlighting the current economic downturn, despite facing tough times in their own industry.

Mr Pickover said: “In the newspaper industry some titles have lost staff, and some titles have ceased to be. Television and radio operations have seen cutbacks with regional services under threat.

“Yet through it all, the shining and guiding light of our journalism has shone through.

“We've been under pressure, yes - but we've been alive to the stories that matter and at the core of the story which has rocked the financial world.”

He also spoke of the times of change to the industry and how journalists must adapt to that.

He said: “Today's writers are as comfortable with a microphone and camera stand as those in generations gone by were with pen and notebook.

“We are the storytellers and we have had to tell our stories in different and compelling ways - for audiences that in many places are growing, not diminishing.”

The Society of Editors conference is now firmly established as the key event for senior newsroom figures from all branches of the media and this year highlighted the demands of the digital revolution.