Nicola Sturgeon to debate with Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner
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Version 0 of 1. Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, is to become the first British politician to deliver the Alternative MacTaggart lecture when she goes head-to-head with the Guardian editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, at the Edinburgh International Television Festival. The leader of the Scottish National party is expected to discuss power, the media and gender with Viner, in one of the Guardian editor’s first public platforms since starting in the top job. Among the media issues likely to be discussed is Sturgeon’s experiences dealing with the media before and after the election – during which she was called the “most dangerous woman in Britain” – as well as her plans for broadcasting in Scotland as the BBC approaches charter renewal. Sturgeon said: “This will be an excellent opportunity to share my views on the future of Scottish broadcasting, in front of the key people responsible for running our country’s media organisations, and those creating content for our audiences.” Sturgeon led the SNP to a landslide result in last month’s general election, taking 56 out of 59 seats in Scotland. The SNP’s election manifesto argued Scotland should receive an extra £100m in BBC funding to “more accurately reflect license fee revenue raised in Scotland” and called for the Scottish government to play a substantial role in negotiations over the renewal of the BBC charter. Viner, who took over from outgoing Guardian editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger at the start of this month, said: “Nicola Sturgeon is one of the most interesting figures in British politics right now ... I’m interested to hear her views about broadcasting in Scotland, and am looking forward to discussing wider topics such as gender, media and the future of the union following the SNP’s incredible performance in May.” Also appearing at the festival, which is entering its 40th year, is Armando Iannucci, who is giving the James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture on the future of BBC funding, what TV channels are for and how the public view TV. Alternative MacTaggart speakers have previously included TV writer and presenter Charlie Brooker, science presenter Prof Brian Cox and screenwriter Paul Abbott. The festival advisory chair and Sky Atlantic director, Zai Bennett, said: “The future of BBC funding will have wider implications for broadcasting across the nations and regions, including BBC Scotland, which is why Nicola Sturgeon, as a crucial decision maker, is a great choice to deliver an inside view into future policy decisions regarding the media in Scotland.” |