Production and Portrayal on the Networks: Who Are We...and Who Cares?
Thursday 22 April 2010 | 11.15 - 12.30 | Millers Suite
Panel:
Chair: Steve Hewlett, Broadcaster/Journalist
Peter Johnston, Director - BBC Northern Ireland
Richard Williams, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Screen
John Grogan MP, Member of Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
"Reflecting UK cultural identity is a key purpose of Public Service Broadcasting." Ofcom
"Companies have long faced a closed door in London ...." Northern Ireland Screen
"We have been struck by the absence of a strong or, often any, portrayal of the ordinary life of Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK....This short inquiry has demonstrated that Northern Ireland is culturally neglected by the BBC, Channel 4 and those who commission television programmes within the UK and by those with ministerial responsibilities in the UK Government. Concerted efforts need urgently to be directed towards eradicating that neglect."
House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, January 2010
Such comments could just as easily refer to many parts of Scotland, Wales, Cornwall or the Isle of Man. Why is it still happening after all the reviews, the reports, the column inches ? We put these questions and more to a panel of experts.
Celtic Media Festival 2010
21—23 April
Newry, Northern Ireland
