Former BBC director of news and current affairs James Harding will deliver the Edinburgh TV Festival’s MacTaggart Lecture.
Harding, who is the founder of Tortoise Media and is now editor-in-chief of The Observer, will “examine challenges to truth and trust in the media.”
He will speak at a time when the media industry is “at an inflection moment and suggest dynamic solutions to the industry challenges that lie ahead,” said the festival in a preview statement.
During his time at the BBC, between 2012 and 2018, Harding handled stories and events including the first Trump presidency, Brexit and the Jimmy Savile scandal. Prior to that he was editor of The Times.
After leaving the BBC, he set up slow journalism and podcast outfit Tortoise Media, which surprised the industry this year by acquiring The Observer from the owner of The Guardian.
Harding said: “Some years ago, I covered the MacTaggart lectures as a reporter and know how important it is for television, journalism and the wider creative industries.
“I am hugely honoured to be asked to give the lecture in its 50th year. I hope it will be a moment to call out the challenges to truth and trust – and suggest how we can renew the media to meet them.”
Jane Tranter, this year’s Advisory Chair, added: “James’ demonstrable determination to protect truth and trust in public service broadcasting and the media – coupled with his belief that in order to protect we need to change – makes him the MacTaggart lecturer that we need in this seismic year.
“In James’ hands, our lecture promises to be a provocative, kick-ass and insightful view from a visionary leader. We couldn’t ask for more.”
Previous presenters of the James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture have included Armando Iannucci, Rupert Murdoch, Dennis Potter and Louis Theroux.
The TV Festival runs from 19 to 22 August
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