- Digital Switchover

****NEW DATE!****

Digital Switchover: is there a Cultural Dividend for Scotland?
Challenges and Opportunities for the Post-Digital Age

Friday 23rd November 2007

Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh

Keynote Speaker: David Cairns MP, Minister of State, Scotland Office

The Conference:

By 2011 Scotland will be a fully digital television nation. The switchover process and the management of the old analogue airways freed up by the switch – the Digital Dividend – are reserved matters.

However, the impact of DSO will be felt across key areas of devolved policy – from social inclusion and rural policy to efficient government and economic growth. Significantly, it goes to the heart of Scotland’s cultural agenda. Television is the most powerful and immediate form of cultural self-expression our society has. The SNP government has already outlined its wishes for a dedicated Scottish channel within the post-digital BBC line-up. But is this enough? Digital switchover also opens up new opportunities for more localised and community-based services which would nurture grass-roots cultural activity and encourage greater social cohesion. Local digital services can provide more relevant local news and entertainment, access to local services, consumer information and enhanced democratic participation.

As Ofcom’s Digital Dividend Review consultation timetable is extended, this one day conference will ask – what’s in it for Scotland?

Are Scotland’s national, cultural, economic and social needs being fully considered within the UK-managed switchover process? How can the post digital age transform Scotland’s policy and cultural environment?

TO BOOK THIS CONFERENCE, PLEASE COMPLETE ELECTRONIC BOOKING FORM AND RETURN VIA EMAIL TO mail@mackayhannah.com OR FAX TO 0131 556 0005.

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