The Scottish Digital Network and the Future of Journalism
Thursday 3rd June, 6pm
Abstract
In this debate on the Future of News in Scotland, Blair Jenkins will argue the case for a digital network to be established in Scotland, both as an essential addition to the public service media, and as a catalyst for a healthier media and democratic culture.
About the speaker
Blair Jenkins is one of Scotland's most distinguished broadcasters and media commentators. He has been head of news and current affairs at both BBC Scotland and STV, and chaired the Scottish Broadcasting Commission set up by parliament in 2007. From 1998 to 2003 he was Chairman of BAFTA Scotland and he has been a member of the Royal Television Society's steering group on current affairs.
Blair started his career at the Evening Express in Aberdeen and in 1977 was Young Journalist of the Year in the Scottish Press Awards. In 1980 he joined BBC News in London and worked as a Producer on network television news before returning to Scotland in 1984 to produce Reporting Scotland. He joined Scottish Television in 1986 and became Head of News and Current Affairs in 1990. In 1993 he was appointed Head of Regional Programmes and in the following year he joined the main board of Scottish Television as Director of Broadcasting. He was also a member of the Broadcasting Board of the ITV network. In 2000 Blair moved to BBC Scotland as Head of News and Current Affairs. He resigned in 2006.