Jeremy Corbyn to Deliver Alternative MacTaggart at Edinburgh TV Festival

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will deliver the Alternative MacTaggart at this year’s Edinburgh Television Festival and will sit down with actor and writer Maxine Peake for a Q&A as well as take audience questions.

Previous Alternative MacTaggart speakers have included Russell Brand, Sharon Horgan, Nicola Sturgeon, Mary Portas, Charlie Brooker, Professor Brian Cox, Paul Abbott, and Ant and Dec.

Corbyn said: “I am hugely looking forward to giving this year’s Alternative MacTaggart lecture. A strong, diverse and independent media is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy and society.

“I hope to offer some perspectives on the U.K. media and its role today, discuss how good journalism challenges the powerful and what is holding it back in the digital age of tech giants and unaccountable billionaires.”

Advisory Chair Phil Edgar-Jones said: “Jeremy Corbyn has a fascinating relationship with the media, stimulating controversy on a near daily basis. With that scrutiny in mind, it’s important to uncover his view of our industry in what will be his most comprehensive speech on the subject. I am looking forward to an engaging debate.”

Peake commented: “I feel very honored to be given the chance to interview one of the most inspiring and surprising political heavyweights of our time. As a long-time admirer of Jeremy, having the opportunity to ask him about life, policy, culture and which soap character he most identifies with is all very exciting!”

Festival Director Lisa Campbell said: “At the TV Festival we pride ourselves on our topicality and ability to offer unique perspectives—this exclusive session embodies everything that makes the festival so special. Jeremy Corbyn is a man who is always in the news, with Maxine Peake, one of our most talented actors as host, we expect a fascinating insight into the man behind the headlines.”