Jowell Cancels Edinburgh Speech

Tessa Jowell has had to withdraw from addressing the Edinburgh Television Festival this weekend following a family bereavement.

Jowell, appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport earlier this year (see Smith Replaced By Jowell Following Labour Landslide) was due to outline her plans for the future of UK broadcasting, including approval for the BBC’s controversial digital expansion plans (see Jackson Defends BBC’s Digital Plans), in a keynote address at the festival.

It now seems unlikely that the BBC will receive a decision about its new channels this weekend and may be left on tenterhooks for some weeks to come. The festival organisers have yet to announce whether a replacement speaker will be brought in in the Minister’s absence.

DCMS: 020 7211 6200 www.culture.gov.uk GEITF: 020 7430 1333 www.geitf.co.uk

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