Media spotlight focuses on Salford
An impressive line-up of media heavyweights will descend on Salford later this month, providing food for thought for undergraduates living at student accommodation provider Portergate’s Riverside House.
The University of Salford is playing host to media figures ranging from writer and executive producer of The Simpsons Josh Weinstein to Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
They are keynote speakers at the Salford Media Festival, which this year celebrates two decades as one of the UK’s leading industry events.
Channel 4’s Director of Creative Diversity Stuart Cosgrove will also be among the main speakers at the festival which runs from November 19-22 at the university’s MediaCityUK campus.
Formerly the Nations and Regions Media Conference, the festival is organised by the University– in collaboration with partners including the BBC, ITV, RTS and Creative England.
The changing face of UK local, regional and national media will be discussed in key sessions at the festival, which is aimed at content creators, producers, broadcasters, policymakers, media academics and students.
Josh Weinstein will talk to broadcaster and legendary Manchester band Inspiral Carpets keyboard player, Clint Boon, about his career and why Manchester is a place of special significance for him.
And Stuart Cosgrove will reflect on the key landmarks in the development of media in the nations and regions over the last 20 years.
Fiona Hyslop will use her talk to put forward her vision of the future of media in an independent Scotland.
Other contributors include John Whiston, who is creative director of serial dramas at ITV Studios and BBC Children’s director Joe Godwin, as well as BBC 5Live Breakfast Editor Gill Farrington.
Events on the last two days will primarily cater for students and young people looking to make their way in the media sector.
Professor Seamus Simpson, Festival Content Director, told the university’s website: “We aim to establish Salford Media Festival as one of the key events of its kind taking place outside London. It will showcase new perspectives and work at the leading edge of the media sector and has an international, as well as a UK, focus.
“There will be opportunities to hear about the latest trends and issues affecting the media sector and to network with a range of professionals passionate about the shape and future evolution of media in all its forms.”
For further information, and to book a delegate’s place, visit the Festival website at www.salfordmediafestival.co.uk
Salford student accommodation provider Portergate has opened its Riverside House student accommodation, within walking distance of the University of Salford.
It has already attracted undergraduates from across the globe looking for the kind of boutique hotel facilities it has created.
And with the university’s January intake fast approaching there is even more interest in the modern, secure facilities provided at the purpose-built development which offers 242 high-quality, en-suite bedrooms.
Portergate has new student accommodation projects in the North West worth more than £20 million and has more than 500 en-suite bedrooms built, on site or with planning permission.
