Q5’s Director and Media Sector Lead, Graham Page, shared insights at the Press Gazette Future of Media Technology Conference, highlighting the evolving newsroom strategies beyond “Digital First” and the untapped potential of AI in transforming the industry. In this article we summarise the key findings from the Q5 sponsored panel, emphasising the need for a clear direction and the integration of AI beyond backend processes.
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On Thursday, 12th September, Q5 attended the Press Gazette Future of Media Technology Conference, where our Head of Media, Entertainment, Technology, Telecoms, and Sports sectors, Graham Page, led an engaging discussion on the future of newsrooms and AI.
The panel, titled “Newsroom Transformation in the Age of AI,” featured industry leaders including David Dinsmore (COO, News UK), Nina Wright (Chair, Harmsworth Media and PPA), Charlotte Tobitt (UK Editor, Press Gazette), and Paul Rowland (Editorial Director, Reach plc), who explored the impact of AI, the response to changes in social media platforms, and the evolving strategies beyond “Digital First.”
The consensus among the panelists was clear—“Digital First” is now outdated. Instead, media organisations need a galvanising North Star to guide their investments, strategies, and organisational changes. Whether it’s Audience First, Customer First, or Community First, these approaches represent a subtle but significant shift in focus. Publishers are beginning to differentiate their strategies in ways that resonate more deeply with their unique audiences, demonstrating that the future of media requires more than just digital adaptation—it demands a clear, purpose-driven approach.
While AI investments have been primarily directed towards backend processes like tagging and transcription, the panel highlighted that the broader transformative potential of Generative AI (Gen AI) has yet to be realised. According to Graham, the industry’s current approach—focusing on incremental improvements rather than envisioning entirely new possibilities—has limited AI’s impact. There’s a need to think beyond existing frameworks and start with a blank slate to truly revolutionise newsroom operations.
AI initiatives within newsrooms are often spearheaded by enthusiastic amateurs from a variety of departments, including Editorial, Technology, Product, Legal, Marketing, and Transformation. For many of these leaders, AI is just one of many responsibilities. The panel raised an important question: does this approach reflect a mature strategy, avoiding the rush to adopt every new trend, or is it a missed opportunity to bring in specialised expertise that could drive real innovation? The answer could define the next phase of AI integration in media.
The panel discussion underscored a critical moment for newsrooms—where strategic clarity, bold thinking, and targeted AI integration can either drive future success or maintain the status quo. Q5 is proud to contribute to this conversation, helping shape the evolving landscape of media and technology.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your media business thrive in this dynamic environment, we’d be delighted to share our insights and strategies with you.
Let’s work together to build a more resilient and successful future for your organisation.
