Edinburgh TV Festival Adds Matt Hancock to Roster

The U.K.’s Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Matt Hancock, has been tapped to deliver a keynote speech at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival.

Hancock’s keynote will be followed by a Q&A chaired by comedian, writer, TV and radio presenter Frank Skinner.

Hancock said: “I am thrilled to be speaking at this summer’s Edinburgh TV Festival. Our broadcasting industry is world class and I look forward to discussing how the government can help the sector continue to go from strength to strength in the future.”

Advisory Chair Phil Edgar-Jones added: “Matt Hancock is passionate about issues facing the media industry having spoken previously about consolidation, competition issues and the regulation of the social media giants. He has driven digital transformation in the cabinet office and I look forward to hearing his thoughts on the future of the industry—a key theme being discussed at this year’s festival.”

Additionally, the festival’s “Meet the U.S. Commissioners” strand will feature Emmy-nominated programming executive Gena McCarthy, executive VP, head of programming at A+E Networks’ Lifetime Unscripted and head of programming for FYI. She will outline her vision for the brands, reveal some upcoming highlights and talk through her commissioning wish list for producers.

Festival Director Lisa Campbell said: “We are delighted to welcome Gena to the festival for the first time. A+E was recently awarded Network of the Year at the inaugural NPACT Impact Awards and this is an excellent opportunity for producers to really get to know how they can contribute to its continued success.”