THE media spotlight was firmly on Southampton today as the industry's leaders and senior representatives gathered for the Society of Editors conference 2014.

Scores of delegates travelled from across the UK for the annual gathering, which was being held in the city for the very first time.

Hosting the event is the Daily Echo's editor in chief Ian Murray, President of the organisation that represents the interests of print media.

This year's conference got underway tonight at the Grand Harbour Hotel where delegates were welcomed to Southampton before hearing a speech from Sir Alan Moses - the man charged with overseeing a new independent regulatory body of the press.

Giving the Society Lecture, Sir Alan, chairman of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), told the audience that a free and unruly press remained paramount.

Read his full speech by clicking here.