The first Bylines Podcast of 2025 a special chat with the Bylines Network’s new Managing Director, Ben Dickenson, who joined us on his first day in the role. We spoke with Ben about his career journey, what attracted him to the Bylines Network, his priorities for the year ahead, and his predictions for 2025.
Ben’s career has been varied and, in his own words, “eclectic.” Holding two arts degrees, he started work in the arts sector, later transitioning to the voluntary and community sectors. His work ranged from housing and homelessness to supporting children and young people. Yet, he told us he always found himself drawn back to storytelling.
This passion led him to roles in theatre, including at Alphabetti Theatre, where he helped develop writers and produce impactful stories. Before joining the Bylines Network, he worked with Theatre Hullabaloo, a leading children’s arts organisation, where he created programs using play and creativity to transform lives and influence national policy.
Ben and the Bylines Network
Ben was drawn to the Bylines Network for its commitment to making a difference by amplifying underrepresented voices. He values its focus on truthful storytelling and lived experiences which is particularly vital in today’s political climate.
For 2025, Ben’s priority is to enhance the Bylines Network’s sustainability and resilience. With regional journalism in crisis seeing many local publications closing or being absorbed by media giants, the Bylines Network’s role as an independent platform for meaningful stories has never been more critical.
We also discussed expanding the network’s reach and engaging marginalised voices. Ben aims to involve more individuals from underrepresented groups, including those who have not gone to university and those from BAME communities. He hopes to build on already successful initiatives like student placements, which have already launched many into promising careers.
Addressing the rise of misinformation, Ben highlighted the Bylines Network’s strength: its community of citizen journalists providing nuanced, realistic portrayals of people’s lives. He emphasized the importance of countering divisive narratives, touching on the role the network can play in challenging figures like Elon Musk and their influence on political discourse.
Predictions for 2025
In an effort to not have this podcast be like a second job interview, our conversation turned to predictions for 2025. Ben expressed concern about the state of the UK economy and the potential for a deep financial crisis, questioning whether the new government’s policies will be bold enough to make a difference.
We also touched on the unpredictable state of American politics. Will the country implode, or could Trump’s legacy shape a new order for decades? Either way, both possibilities are alarming.
Ben’s key takeaway for 2025? In a world of growing uncertainty, the need for balanced, nuanced, and accurate storytelling has never been greater. Ben believes the Bylines Network is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, helping audiences navigate an ever changing landscape.
We very much enjoyed speaking with Ben about his vision for the Bylines Network and his insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead and look forward to welcoming him back again. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it!
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