In February, the Journalism Society had the honour of welcoming one of the most talked-about journalists of our time—Piers Morgan. Known for his outspoken views and controversial opinions, Mr Morgan’s visit generated immense excitement, with hundreds of boys securing their tickets and many more queuing outside in hopes of getting a seat.
The evening began like all Journalism Society talks, with the audience standing in respectful silence as he arrived. Mr Morgan, ever the entertainer, remarked that it felt as though he were “walking into a courtroom,” setting the tone for what would be a lively and engaging discussion.
First, he spoke for around 30 minutes, covering a range of topics. He shared his experiences with President Donald Trump and also discussed Elon Musk’s influence on the modern world. Mr Morgan also reflected on his love for the spotlight, declaring, “The worst thing is not being talked about.”
However, he also touched upon more serious matters, reaffirming his strong opposition to the Iraq War—an issue that ultimately led to his dismissal as editor of The Daily Mirror. He spoke candidly about his controversial firing and the conviction with which he had stood by his beliefs. In a more light-hearted moment, he recalled his time in the United States, where a petition was launched to have him deported—only for another petition to emerge in the UK, declaring that they did not want him back!
The second half of the evening was dedicated to an open Q&A session, allowing students to challenge and engage directly with Mr Morgan. The final question provided a particularly memorable moment, as a student asked about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. Mr Morgan enthusiastically shared his thoughts before boldly declaring Ronaldo the greatest footballer of all time. His ranking of football legends—placing Lionel Messi in fifth place behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, Pelé, Ronaldo Nazário, and Dennis Bergkamp—drew both laughter and debate from the crowd.
Lively, thought-provoking, and brimming with strong opinions, the evening was a resounding success. The Journalism Society was thrilled to host such a dynamic and outspoken figure, making it an event to remember.