Shaping the Future of Media Integrity with Lexie Kirkconnell Kawana Ep 230 - The Global Discussion

The Global Discussion

The need for trusted, ethical journalism has never been more critical in a world where the information landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. Lexie Kirkconnell Kawana, the Chief Executive Officer of Impress—the UK’s independent press regulator—is at the forefront of this mission, navigating the complex intersections of media regulation, public trust, and technological innovation. Lexie shared her insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of journalism.

A Vision Rooted in Integrity

Originally from New Zealand, Lexie's career spans media regulation in film, television, advertising, and digital content. Her legal expertise and global perspective make her uniquely equipped to tackle one of journalism’s most enduring dilemmas: how to balance freedom of the press with the public’s right to safety and accountability.

Impress, established in the wake of the Leveson Inquiry, is a values-driven organization designed to provide ethical governance and public redress. As Lexie explains, “Our mission is to ensure that the public has access to journalism they can trust—created with integrity and accountability.”

Meeting the Challenges of the Digital Age

The shift to online platforms has fundamentally altered how news is consumed. While digital spaces offer unprecedented access to information, they also come with risks—ranging from misinformation and harassment to privacy violations. Impress has stepped up to address these challenges, offering innovative tools like arbitration services to resolve disputes without costly legal battles.

Lexie highlights the importance of adapting traditional journalistic standards for the digital era: “We need to meet people where they are. Whether it’s on a news site, social media, or messaging apps, we must ensure that the information they encounter is trustworthy and safe.”

AI and the Future of Journalism

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, and journalism is no exception. Lexie acknowledges the dual-edged nature of this technology. While AI has the potential to enhance news delivery, it also raises concerns about the accuracy and integrity of content. Early generative AI models have been criticized for their reliance on biased or unreliable data sources.

Building a Global Conversation

Impress is not just focused on the UK; it’s part of a more extensive, global dialogue about the future of media. Lexie and her team are working with international partners to address the unique challenges faced by smaller countries and underrepresented communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation of journalism.

“We all have a stake in the outcomes,” Lexie asserts. “This isn’t just a conversation for governments and big tech. Civil society must be at the table, envisioning what a healthy, inclusive information economy looks like.”

Join the Movement for Trusted Journalism

As Impress continues to expand its reach and influence, Lexie invites journalists, media organizations, and the public to engage with their work. Whether it’s through supporting their Standards Code, participating in dispute resolution, or collaborating on innovative projects, there are countless ways to contribute to the future of ethical journalism.

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