Nadiya Hussain to Give Keynote at Children’s Media Conference

Ahead of the publication of her first children’s book, writer and The Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain will deliver the opening keynote interview at this year’s Children’s Media Conference (CMC), which takes place July 2 to 4 in Sheffield, U.K.

Hussain’s interview will center around the issues of mental health, intolerance and inequality, as well as her own lifelong struggle with a panic disorder. The interview comes as part of this year’s CMC’s theme of “Limitless,” which seeks to explore what the media can do to encourage kids’ limitless curiosity and imaginations.

Similar themes are explored in Hussain’s first children’s picture book, My Monster and Me, which is slated for publication this October.

Now in its 16th year, the event is expected to draw more than 1,200 delegates and kicks off with the CMC International Exchange on Tuesday, July 2. The event will see a wide range of broadcasters, co-producers, funders and investors from across the world meeting and networking with sellers of content and services.

Greg Childs, editorial director of CMC, said: “Nadiya is an inspiration and a great example of somebody who is relentlessly positive and follows her creative dreams, while managing a busy family life, her own personal challenges and wider discrimination. All of these pressures also impact children and are issues which resonate widely in the kids’ media industry. Her commitment to opening up discussions around these important topics and breaking down stigma is inspiring, and we look forward to welcoming Nadiya to CMC.”