"Brain cancer took Andrew Olle in the prime of his life – and it continues to do the same for thousands of Australians each year. The Media Lecture will raise funds to accelerate breakthroughs."
Robyn Leonard
Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni will deliver the 2026 Andrew Olle Media Lecture on Tuesday 21 July at the ABC Studios in Sydney, with all funds raised at the event supporting Brain Cancer Australia.
You can purchase tickets here.
Galloni is one of the world’s most influential newsroom leaders, overseeing Reuters’ global editorial operations. She was named editor-in-chief in 2021 and is the first woman to serve as editor-in-chief in the organisation’s 175-year history.
“I am honoured to deliver the Andrew Olle Lecture,” she said. “At a time of profound change for the media, it is important to reflect on the values that underpin trusted, independent journalism.”
Galloni began her career with Reuters in Rome in 1996 before moving to London. She later spent 13 years at The Wall Street Journal as a reporter, economics and business writer and editor across London, Paris and Rome. She rejoined Reuters in 2013 as editor of the Southern Europe bureau and went on to become Global Managing Editor, overseeing international news planning and coverage. Her work has been recognised with some of journalism’s highest honours.
Galloni is a graduate of Harvard University and holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
Named in honour of the late ABC broadcaster Andrew Olle, the Andrew Olle Media Lecture is one of Australia’s most respected forums for examining the role and future of journalism.
Following Galloni’s keynote address exploring the future of journalism internationally, the event will feature a panel discussion examining how these themes resonate in the Australian context. Facilitated by Hamish Macdonald, the discussion will bring together Galloni alongside:- Hugh Marks (Managing Director, ABC)
- Michael Miller (Executive Chair, News Corp Australasia)
- Jane Palfreyman (Managing Director, SBS)
- Matt Stanton (CEO and Managing Director, Nine Entertainment)
Robyn Leonard OAM, Founder and Director of Brain Cancer Australia, said the organisation is proud to continue its partnership with the Andrew Olle Media Lecture.
“Brain cancer took Andrew Olle in the prime of his life – and it continues to do the same for thousands of Australians each year. What’s most devastating is that survival rates are much the same today as they were when Andrew died 31 years ago. People diagnosed with the most common form of brain cancer are still only given around 15 months to live.
“The Andrew Olle Media Lecture continues to honour Andrew’s legacy while driving awareness and support. Funds raised are helping Brain Cancer Australia build the national research infrastructure needed to accelerate breakthroughs, bringing together data, tissue samples and systems to improve care and deliver life-saving treatments sooner.”
Tickets for the Andrew Olle Media Lecture can be purchased here.
All funds raised from ticket sales are donated to Brain Cancer Australia to advance research and improve patient care.
For more information about the event, email info@braincanceraustralia.org.au
