HOW the broadcasting landscape, including the BBC, might be impacted were Scotland to decide in favour of independence in two years’ time, is to be the subject of debate at the annual, international television festival staged in Edinburgh.
Details of what the debate will comprise exactly – including who will be the main participants – are still to be revealed by organisers of the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, which this year is marking its 37th year by switching from its usual, Friday-to-Sunday slot to Thursday-to-Saturday.
But the broad programme for the August 23-25 event has been issued, with registration for places now open.
Delivering the keynote speech is TV executive, Elisabeth Murdoch, daughter of media mogul, Rupert Murdoch, and brother of James – both previous MacTaggart Lecture speakers.
Also on the bill are broadcaster, satirist, screenwriter and journalist, Charlie Brooker, Welsh TV actress and writer, Ruth Jones, and writer and producer, Steve Levitan, the co-creator of Modern Family.
In a statement issued by the organisers, festival advisory chair, Kenton Allen, is quoted, as saying: “2012 is a seismic year for our industry and the 2012 Edinburgh TV Festival is going to be an unmissable event for anyone working in and around TV.”
The chief executive of Big Talk Productions adds: “The many and varied challenges of creative leadership run though the festival, from Elisabeth Murdoch’s most speculated-about MacTaggart in years to an irresistible roller-coaster ride of provocative debate and once-in-a-lifetime creative access to the most brilliant minds working in TV today. And this is just the beginning. There’s a lot more to come. So watch this space.”
Executive chair of the festival, the director of entertainment and comedy at ITV, Elaine Bedell, is also quoted, as saying: “Television in the UK is in rude health – and this festival programme of masterclasses will provide a very valuable and unique insight into the making of some of the year’s finest shows. Edinburgh is also always about provocation and debate – and this year’s keynote speakers guarantee that we’re in for a news-worthy few days.”
Scotland decides on whether to be independent of the UK in Autumn 2014.
