Taylor Herring Land International Television Festival Account

Taylor Herring PR has won a competitive pitch to handle PR for the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

The Edinburgh International Television Festival, which is an annual summer event, is the leading international television summit - attracting over 2000 delegates from the major channels, new media businesses and production companies – from across the globe.

The festival attracts huge media interest – and last year hit the front pages with an exclusive appearance from Madeleine McCann’s father, Gerry.

Crowngate controller Peter Fincham has already been announced as this year’s MacTaggart lecture speaker – which is the keynote event of the opening night.

The festival has developed a reputation as a platform for original and dynamic thought attracting some of the most exciting talent from the US and UK in recent years, including Jeremy Paxman, Al Gore, Vint Cerf (Google), Lord Birt, Ricky Gervais, Simon Cowell, Greg Dyke and Matt Groening. The Festival brings together the major creative and business names in UK and international television.

The agency has been tasked with raising profile of the main festival and also driving uptake of two schemes, TVYP and Fastrack, aimed to give industry access to young people of all backgrounds. Taylor Herring will set up an onsite press office service and expects to accredit over 200 media from around the globe over August Bank Holiday weekend.

A unique opportunity for individuals from across the media to share ideas, make new contacts and reconnect with friends and colleagues, the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival offers delegates a varied programme of topical debates, masterclasses, keynote lectures and networking opportunities from leading UK and international media figures. The festival programme is developed by an Advisory Committee made up of individuals from across the industry such as Left Bank MD Andy Harries, Brighter Pictures MD David Flynn, TalkbackTHAMES Head of Factual Features Camilla Lewis and Magic Lantern Creative Director Russell Stopford; the committee is chaired by C4 Head of Factual Entertainment Andrew MacKenzie. For ongoing programme news and updates go to www.mgeitf.co.uk

The MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival is a delegate entry event which annually attracts over 2000 delegates from all sectors and levels of the industry including a range of terrestrial broadcasters, cable, satellite and digital companies and independent producers. The MacTaggart Lecture was inaugurated in 1976 in memory of the acclaimed writer and director James MacTaggart.

The Festival runs from Friday 22nd August – Sunday 24 August, delegate online registration will launch in April. For earlier registration or to sign up for e-newsletters please visit www.mgeitf.co.uk.