The Edinburgh TV Festival, a staple of the British broadcasting calendar for nearly 50 years, may leave the Scottish capital as organisers consider other UK venues. The move comes amid concerns over high costs and a lack of working-class representation in the industry.
Organisers of the event, owned by The TV Foundation charity, have launched a 'strategic review' to explore how to 'broaden access' and reduce delegate costs. While Edinburgh is not ruled out, other UK cities are being invited to pitch for the 2027 edition.
Campbell Glennie, chief executive of The TV Foundation, said the review is part of a commitment to inclusion and accessibility. 'This is not necessarily about leaving Edinburgh, or Scotland, but about finding the right solutions,' he said.
The decision reflects Edinburgh's reputation as an expensive destination, with accommodation costs soaring during the summer festival season. US diplomats receive $674 (£515) per day for lodging in July and August, the highest allowance globally, while a Post Office study found a two-night stay in a three-star city centre hotel costs £399 in June.
Industry figures have also highlighted the need for greater diversity. Playwright James Graham used last year's MacTaggart lecture to warn of a lack of working-class voices, with research showing nearly a quarter of top TV executives attended private school. Freelance workers continue to struggle financially post-pandemic amid shifts in media consumption and commissioning.
