'Heroes', 'Who' bosses for Edinburgh

Russell T. Davies and Heroes creator Tim Kring are among the top TV names lined up for this summer's MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

Other speakers will include Jamie Oliver, former EastEnders actor Ross Kemp, How To Look Good Naked host Gok Wan and The Thick Of It writer Armando Iannucci, who will deliver the Alternative MacTaggart Lecture.

Among the broadcasting executives taking part will be controllers of all the major channels, Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan and Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision. Peter Fincham, former controller of BBC One and now director of television at ITV, will deliver the annual MacTaggart Lecture, as previously announced.

Kring and Doctor Who executive producer Davies will give insights into their own shows and television in general in Masterclass sessions.

"It's an honour and a privilege to be a part of the Edinburgh International TV Festival at such an important time in television's history," said Kring. "Because of Heroes' large international following, I felt it was of the utmost importance to attend a festival that for more than 30 years has been at the forefront of the television industry, leading it into the future."

Festival organisers promised to give a positive take on some of the difficulties facing British TV, such as declining audience shares and advertising revenue for the traditional major broadcasters.

Tim Hinks, chief executive of Endemol UK and festival executive committee chair for 2008, said: "Don't believe the hype or the miserablists - television and creativity are in great shape. And this year the television festival is unashamedly upbeat featuring an impossibly mouthwatering mix of celebrity and talent from in front of the camera and beyond, and from all platforms."

The event will run from August 22 to 24.