

Outside the box, Freeview's annual industry event, considered some of the key questions facing our industry at a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty.
The event’s themes included the role of broadcast media in informing and influencing the political life of the nation; how to tackle TV's class ceiling and improve social mobility in TV; and the impact of TV's globalisation on the UK broadcasting sector.
Broadcaster and journalist Cathy Newman guided us through the event, which took place on November 5, 2019, at Picturehouse Central in London's Piccadilly Circus. The stellar speaker line-up included Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, industry veteran Greg Dyke, businesswoman and campaigner Gina Miller and multi award-winning writer, director and producer Armando Iannucci.

Outside the box, Freeview's annual industry event, considered some of the key questions facing our industry at a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty.
The event’s themes included the role of broadcast media in informing and influencing the political life of the nation; how to tackle TV's class ceiling and improve social mobility in TV; and the impact of TV's globalisation on the UK broadcasting sector.
Broadcaster and journalist Cathy Newman guided us through the event, which took place on November 5, 2019, at Picturehouse Central in London's Piccadilly Circus.
The stellar speaker line-up included Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, industry veteran Greg Dyke, businesswoman and campaigner Gina Miller and multi award-winning writer, director & producer Armando Iannucci.


Programme 201908:15 - Registration and Breakfast09:00 - Welcome and IntroductionOwen Jenkinson, Marketing Director, Freeview and Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist 09:05 - Opening Keynote: Pioneering CollaborationGreg Dyke, Media Executive, Broadcaster, Company Chairman, in conversation with Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist 09:20 - When Worlds CollideAhead of Ofcom’s Small Screen: Big Debate, we look at the impact of the globalisation of TV on the UK’s broadcasting sector. What are the opportunities for UK broadcasters and content creators in a streaming age and what kind of policy environment do they need to take advantage of these? Is the role and value of public service broadcasters diminishing as TV becomes more global and consumers take control of their viewing? Panel Discussion:
Chaired by Chris Curtis, Editor-in-Chief, Broadcast 10:05 - Keynote Interview: Leading ChangeAlex Mahon, Chief Executive Officer, Channel 4 in conversation with Kate Bulkley, Journalist & Media Commentator 10:30 - Coffee Break11:00 - Healing the NationWhat role does television play in the political life of the nation? How does TV reflect and inform opinions? How do broadcasters maintain impartiality? And who or what drives the broadcast news cycle? As we move into a new phase for politics, is there a role for TV in helping to heal a deeply divided nation? Panel Discussion:
Chaired by Anushka Asthana, Associate Editor, The Guardian 12:00 - Class ActionIn this session, we take a look at the causes of television’s class ceiling and the practical steps being taken to remove barriers and promote social inclusion. What are some of our sector’s leading organisations doing to create a more diverse workforce and how do we come together as an industry for a more joined-up, collective approach? Panel Discussion
Chaired by Tina Daheley, Broadcaster & Presenter 13:00 - Closing Keynote: Laughing at PowerArmando Iannucci, Writer, Director & Producer, in conversation with Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist 13:25 - Closing Remarks1:30 - Event Ends |
Programme 2019
08:15 - Registration and Breakfast
09:00 - Welcome and Introduction
Owen Jenkinson, Marketing Director, Freeview and Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist
09:05 - Opening Keynote: Pioneering Collaboration
Greg Dyke, Media Executive, Broadcaster, Company Chairman, in conversation with Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist
09:20 - When Worlds Collide
Ahead of Ofcom’s Small Screen: Big Debate, we look at the impact of the globalisation of TV on the UK’s broadcasting sector.
What are the opportunities for UK broadcasters and content creators in a streaming age and what kind of policy environment do they need to take advantage of these?
Is the role and value of public service broadcasters diminishing as TV becomes more global and consumers take control of their viewing?
Panel Discussion
- Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Digital UK
- Gareth Barr, Controller of Policy & Regulatory Strategy, ITV
- Jane Turton, Chief Executive Officer, All3Media
- Mike Darcey, Industry Adviser
Chaired by Chris Curtis, Editor-in-Chief, Broadcast
10:05 - Keynote Interview: Leading Change
Alex Mahon, Chief Executive Officer, Channel 4 in conversation with Kate Bulkley, Journalist & Media Commentator
10:30 - Coffee Break
11:00 - Healing the Nation
What role does television play in the political life of the nation? How does TV reflect and inform opinions?
How do broadcasters maintain impartiality? And who or what drives the broadcast news cycle?
As we move into a new phase for politics, is there a role for TV in helping to heal a deeply divided nation?
Panel Discussion
- Gina Miller, Businesswoman & Campaigner
- Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Director of Content, Sky News
- Sir Robbie Gibb, Former Number 10 Communications Director
- James Graham, Playwright & Screenplay Writer
Chaired by Anushka Asthana, Associate Editor, The Guardian
12:00 - Class Action
In this session, we take a look at the causes of television’s class ceiling and the practical steps being taken to remove barriers and promote social inclusion.
What are some of our sector’s leading organisations doing to create a more diverse workforce and how do we come together as an industry for a more joined-up, collective approach?
Panel Discussion
- Dr Sam Friedman, Associate Professor of Sociology, LSE
- Heather Jones, General Manager UK & Senior VP, Content & Creative, A+E Networks UK
- Bella Lambourne, HR & Operations Director, Endemol Shine UK
- Joanna Abeyie, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Blue Moon
Chaired by Tina Daheley, Broadcaster & Presenter
13:00 - Closing Keynote: Laughing at Power
Armando Iannucci, Writer, Director & Producer, in conversation with Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist
13:25 - Closing Remarks
1:30 - Event Ends







Cathy Newman interviewing Armando Ianucci
Cathy Newman interviewing Armando Ianucci

Member of the audience asks the panel a question
Member of the audience asks the panel a question

Cathy Newman interviews Greg Dyke
Cathy Newman interviews Greg Dyke

Gina Miller and Cristina Nicoletti Squires in conversation
Gina Miller and Cristina Nicoletti Squires in conversation

Jonathan Thompson in conversation with the 'When Worlds Collide' panel
Jonathan Thompson in conversation with the 'When Worlds Collide' panel

Anushka Asthana in conversation with Sir Robbie Gibb
Anushka Asthana in conversation with Sir Robbie Gibb







Cathy Newman interviewing Armando Ianucci
Cathy Newman interviewing Armando Ianucci

Member of the audience asks the panel a question
Member of the audience asks the panel a question

Cathy Newman interviews Greg Dyke
Cathy Newman interviews Greg Dyke

Gina Miller and Cristina Nicoletti Squires in conversation
Gina Miller and Cristina Nicoletti Squires in conversation

Jonathan Thompson in conversation with the 'When Worlds Collide' panel
Jonathan Thompson in conversation with the 'When Worlds Collide' panel

Anushka Asthana in conversation with Sir Robbie Gibb
Anushka Asthana in conversation with Sir Robbie Gibb
About Freeview and Digital UK
Freeview and Digital UK work together to ensure that every viewer in the UK can access a competitive and compelling free TV offer.
As the world of television continues to evolve, Freeview is changing too. Freeview Play TVs offer seamless access to both live programmes and over 20,000 hours of on-demand content all from the same screen, while a new mobile app means viewers can browse and watch great television wherever they are.
Right now, Freeview is the only major TV platform in the UK that is growing its user base. Offering viewers a compelling foundational TV service on to which SVOD services can be added, the platform plays a critical role in delivering consumer choice and supporting the UK’s broadcasters by driving share and prominence.

About Freeview and Digital UK
Freeview and Digital UK work together to ensure that every viewer in the UK can access a competitive and compelling free TV offer.
As the world of television continues to evolve, Freeview is changing too. Freeview Play TVs offer seamless access to both live programmes and over 20,000 hours of on-demand content all from the same screen, while a new mobile app means viewers can browse and watch great television wherever they are.
Right now, Freeview is the only major TV platform in the UK that is growing its user base. Offering viewers a compelling foundational TV service on to which SVOD services can be added, the platform plays a critical role in delivering consumer choice and supporting the UK’s broadcasters by driving share and prominence.
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