Simpsons writer tops speakers bill at Salford Media Festival

Writer and executive producer of The Simpsons Josh Weinstein, Channel 4 director of Creative Diversity Stuart Cosgrove, and Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs in the Scottish Government, are among the speakers at this year’s Salford Media Festival.

Formerly the Nations and Regions Media Conference, the Festival is organised by the University of Salford – in collaboration with partners including the BBC, ITV, RTS and Creative England – and will be held at its MediaCityUK campus from Tuesday 19-Friday 22 November.

With a broad theme of ‘the future of broadcasting in an era of media convergence’, the event will focus on the challenges facing the media industry, from mainstream broadcast to newer online and emerging hybrid platforms. The changing face of UK local, regional and national media will also be discussed in key sessions at the Festival, which is aimed at content creators, producers, broadcasters, policymakers, media academics and students.

Josh Weinstein will talk to broadcaster and legendary Manchester band Inspiral Carpets keyboard player, Clint Boon, about his career and why Manchester is a place of special significance for him, while Stuart Cosgrove will reflect on the key landmarks in the development of media in the nations and regions over the last 20 years.

Fiona Hyslop will use her keynote address to put forward her vision of the future of media in an independent Scotland.

Other contributors, to as many as 17 themed sessions, include: BBC Trustee David Liddiment; Director of BBC Children’s, Joe Godwin; Editor of BBC 5Live Breakfast, Gill Farrington; Lorraine Heggessey, Executive Chair, Boom Pictures; Trevor Dann, Creative Director, TDC; Alex Connock, Chair of the Royal Television Society (North West); Bobby Hain, Director of Channels at STV; and John Whiston, Creative Director, Serial Dramas, ITV Studios.

Broadcaster and writer, Steve Hewlett, who is Visiting Professor in Journalism and Broadcasting at the University, will again chair the delegate sessions.

The Festival comprises two distinct parts, with delegate days on Tuesday November 19 and Wednesday November 20 and ‘Next Generation’ events on Thursday November 21 and Friday November 22, primarily catering for students and young people looking to make their way in the media sector.

The Next Generation workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions will give aspiring media professionals, in particular Salford students studying at MediaCityUK, the chance to learn and enhance their industry experience through engaging with seasoned media industry experts.

Professor Seamus Simpson, festival content director, said: “We aim to establish Salford Media Festival as one of the key events of its kind taking place outside London. It will showcase new perspectives and work at the leading edge of the media sector and has an international, as well as a UK, focus.

“There will be opportunities to hear about the latest trends and issues affecting the media sector and to network with a range of professionals passionate about the shape and future evolution of media in all its forms.”

Professor Andrew Cooper, the University’s academic director at MediaCityUK, added: “We offer a technologically-advanced educational environment at the heart of the UK’s new major media hub and the Festival will showcase this major benefit to industry delegates and existing and prospective students.”

For further information, and to book a delegate’s place, visit the Festival website atwww.salfordmediafestival.co.uk. Students wishing to attend the Next Generation days should contact Festival co-ordinator Jan Bradley on j.bradley@salford.ac.uk.

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