Martin Wainwright speaks at the Leeds Community News Hub

Guardian Northern Editor Martin Wainwright has spoken to students and members of the public at the latest Leeds Community News Hub event. Wainwright, who's been with the Guardian since 1975, spoke at Leeds Trinity University College of the changes to the industry during that time and the recent rise of online media and 'hyperlocalism'. He was also critical of London-based national media's perception of Northern England, using Bradford and Dewsbury as examples of the way the North had almost been demonised by some national papers. Wainwright, who lives in Rawdon, said he wasn't 'anti-London' but added: "My life's purpose has been to explain the north of England through the national media. There is tremendous ignorance about life here." Check out Sarah Hartley's post about the event on her personal blog. Her post's entitled Media 'ignorant about the North' . More guests at the hub Meanwhile, two more Guardian guests will be at the hub this month. January 19 – Simon Rogers , who runs the Guardian Datablog. January 26 – Information architect Martin Belam . All the above events start at 1pm and any who wants to drop into the hub either before or after the speakers is more than welcome. The idea of the hub is a simple one – to provide a physical space where people from all walks of life can do journalism together. I had an interesting chat with Clive Woods of Aireborough Civic Society about different ways we can work together to highlight planning issues in the area. What do you think about Wainwright's comments. Who would you like to see at the hub? Are there any stories you'd like to work on or issues to investigate? Please feel free to add suggestions via the comments below.