Murdoch to deliver MacTaggart Lecture

James Murdoch is to deliver this year's MacTaggart Lecture at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

Twenty years ago, his father Rupert delivered a stinging rebuke to the British broadcasting establishment, criticising the entrenched public service channels for "parading the prejudices and interests of the like-minded people who currently control British television" and pointing to a multichannel future.

"I am honoured to have been invited to deliver the MacTaggart this year," said James Murdoch, who is chairman of Sky and News Corp in Europe and Asia. "Our industry is so clearly at a turning point that now is a good time to consider the right way forward for the industry, for regulators and, most importantly, for our customers."

Before becoming Sky's non-executive chairman in 2007, Murdoch was chief executive of the pay TV operator for four years.

"I'm very pleased that James Murdoch has agreed to deliver this year's MacTaggart," said Elaine Bedell, advisory chair of this year's festival and ITV's director of entertainment and comedy. "He has a unique perspective on our industry, having worked across television, publishing and digital businesses worldwide, and he’ll be able to provide festival delegates with very welcome insights on a global media industry which is currently undergoing crisis and evolution."

Digital Spy will have in-depth coverage of this year's Edinburgh International Television Festival from August 28-30.