TV Society Conference Begins

The Royal Television Society’s annual conference begins in Cambridge today, featuring some of the industry’s key figures including ITV’s Stuart Prebble and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell. Rupert Murdoch and Liberty Media chairman John Malone have pulled out of their planned appearance due to the recent events in the US.

Tessa Jowell will open the event with a key note speech in which she is expected to announce the Government’s decision on the future of the BBC’s digital channels BBC3 and BBC4. The industry has been eagerly awaiting the announcement which was expected at last months Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

The convention, which runs until Saturday, will be chaired by chief executive of BSkyB, Tony Ball, and will address the UK’s role in the global market, considering the economics of digital TV and the tensions between broadcasters and content suppliers.

Tony Ball, chairman of the convention’s planning committee, said: “This year’s convention will examine the business side of the industry and will address the commercial issues facing media companies in an increasingly competitive global market. It will provide a unique opportunity to hear and participate in debates which are of crucial importance to all those concerned about the future of the international media industry and Britain’s role in it.”

Other industry names due to participate include; Granada chairman Charles Allen, IPC chief executive Sly Bailey, Endemol Entertainment’s Peter Bazalgette, BBC chief Greg Dyke.

A spokesperson for the Royal Television Society confirmed that the event would go ahead as planned despite cancellation of the TUC conference and sporting events including Premier League and Champions League football matches following Tuesday’s devastating events in the US.

Royal Television Society: 020 7430 1000 www.rts.org.uk

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