- The Future of Broadcasting in Scotland

Wednesday 11th February 2008, Hilton Grosvenor, Edinburgh

*** REVISED AGENDA ANNOUNCED ***

"We have to transform [the] main framework for communications to become the truly ambitious and creative country we would all wish to be" Alex Salmond First Minister, The Case for Devolution of Broadcasting Powers, August 2007

Keynote Speaker:
Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture

After yesterday's cabinet reshuffle Bruce Crawford, Minister for Parliamentary Business will now deliver the keynote speech

Other Featured Speakers:
Professor Neil Blain, Head of Department, Film, Media and Journalism, University of Stirling
Stuart Cosgrove, Director of Nations and Regions, Channel 4
Blair Jenkins, Chair, Scottish Broadcasting Commission
Vicki Nash, Director, Ofcom Scotland
Ian Small, Head of Public Policy and Corporate Affairs, BBC Scotland

Broadcasting is central to our modern way of life and a healthy broadcasting industry can bring huge economic and cultural benefits to a country. Creative industries in Scotland account for over 100,000 jobs and around £5 billion of revenue each year, yet broadcasting does not yet reflect this wealth of talent and experience. It remains, in both political and practical terms, still very much an issue to be debated in London, not in Scotland. The setting up of the Broadcasting Commission and its recently published report has changed all of that. New investment has been promised especially by the BBC. Serious questions are now being asked and there are signs that a renaissance of broadcasting is underway. Scotland is putting broadcasting under the
microscope and the mood is upbeat.

Of particular significance will be how Scotland helps re-shape broadcasting in the United Kingdom at a time when there is a new debate about the increasingly divergent needs of four nations and how they can be more adequately served. Will the politics and practicalities of Broadcasting finally be reconciled?

Delegates will hear from those directly involved in the work of the Commission as well as government policy makers. This one day conference is a rare opportunity to consider and contest what the future of Scottish broadcasting policy should be.

In Association with

Supported by

BBC Scotland University of Stirling

Reduced Rate - £210.00 + VAT
registered charities with income less than £1M, third sector organisations, academics and community organisations
Supported Rate - £115.00 + VAT
registered charities with income less than £1M, third sector organisations, academics and community organisations
Conference Papers Only - £75.00 + VAT