New Festival Director for MGEITF

EDINBURGH: Louise Benson is to become the new director of the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival (MGEITF).

Benson joins from Emap Networks, where she was media events director. She was also the event director of the World Architecture Festival. Benson takes up the new post as festival director for MGEITF as of January 31, 2011.

Elaine Bedell, the director of entertainment and comedy at ITV, and MGEITF executive chair, commented: “I’m delighted that Louise is joining the Edinburgh Television Festival. She’s well-known already to many in the media industry and understands the key issues facing the TV sector. She’s absolutely the right person to help us take the festival forward over the next few years, and is full of enthusiasm and energy to make it more international, more relevant and inspiring.”

Benson added: “I’m looking forward to working with George Entwistle, the 2011 advisory chair and his advisory committee to deliver a must-attend event. The TV Festival is a very special event, and one that I’ve always wanted to be involved in.”