Edinburgh International Television Festival: Impact of independence on broadcasting to be debated

THE impact of Scottish independence on the broadcasting landscape across Britain is to top the agenda at this year’s Edinburgh International Television Festival.

Leading political, cultural and broadcast figures are expected to debate the practicalities and effects of dismantling the BBC, competitive tax breaks and “the political background that is Eastenders” in the annual three-day event.

Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones, broadcaster Charlie Brooker, writer Caitlin Moran and Doctor Who creator Steven Moffat will be among the guest stars at the industry’s flagship conference.

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Programme highlights include a special version of Dragon’s Den inviting ideas for TV-related business ventures to pitch to Duncan Bannatyne and co for real money, as well as masterclasses into the making of Homeland, Sherlock, Horrible Histories, Modern Family and Educating Essex.

A sneak preview of the first episode of the new Doctor Who series will also be unveiled at the EICC, which is hosting the event again.

It has already been announced that Rupert Murdoch’s daugher Elisabeth, chairman of the TV company Shine Group, will be giving the keynote MacTaggart Lecture. She follows in the footsteps of her father, who made a famous speech at the Edinburgh event in 1989.

The festival will also tackle what the television industry can do to tackle piracy, look at how the London Olympics were covered by the BBC and tackle the key challenges to be faced by whoever succeeds Mark Thompson as director-general of the BBC.

Kenton Allen, advisory chair of the festival, said: “This is a seismic year for our industry and the festival is going to be an unmissable event for anyone working in and around TV.

“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.”

Elaine Bedell, director of entertainment and comedy at ITV, said: “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 newsworthy few days.”

This year’s festival is being held from 23-25 August.

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