The new culture secretary John Whittingdale will appear at the Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival in August.
Whittingdale will be quizzed by ITV News presenter Alastair Stewart about his plans for BBC charter renewal and the licence fee and the government’s intentions – or otherwise – to privatise Channel 4.
The festival’s advisory chair, Sky Atlantic director Zai Bennett, said: “We are delighted that the new culture secretary is coming to the TV festival in its 40th anniversary year.
“There are few MPs more knowledgeable about the media than John Whittingdale, and I’m sure the industry will be excited to hear his views on issues ranging from the impending charter renewal, to discussions on privatisation. This really is a session not to be missed.”
Whittingdale, who has described the licence fee as “worse than the poll tax”, was appointed as secretary of culture, media and sport last month after a decade as chair of the Commons culture, media and sport select committee.
The MacTaggart lecture at this year’s festival will be delivered by The Thick of It and Veep creator Armando Iannucci. The festival will run from 26 to 28 August.
