Jeremy Corbyn to give Edinburgh TV Festival lecture on the future of journalism Labour leader to discuss role of UK media after fractious exchanges with journalists over anti-Semitism

Jeremy Corbyn will set out his thoughts on the future of journalism when he delivers the Alternative MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh Television Festival.

The Labour leader will take part in an onstage Q&A with award-winning actor and writer, Maxine Peake, and answer audience questions, following his speech on Thursday.

Corbyn: ‘unaccountable billionaires’

Mr Corbyn said: “I am hugely looking forward to giving this year’s Alternative MacTaggart lecture. A strong, diverse and independent media is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy and society.”

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He added: “I hope to offer some perspectives on the UK media and its role today, discuss how good journalism challenges the powerful and what is holding it back in the digital age of tech giants and unaccountable billionaires.”

Trouble with media

Mr Corbyn’s relations with the press have become increasingly fractious this Summer following the Labour anti-semitism row and questions over his role at wreath-laying ceremony in Tunis in 2014.

However Mr Corbyn is unlikely to face a tough grilling from Ms Peake.

Peake a Corbyn fan

The Shameless star said: “I feel very honoured to be given the chance to interview one of the most inspiring and surprising political heavy weights of our time.”

“As a long-time admirer of Jeremy, having the opportunity to ask him about life, policy, culture and which soap character he most identifies with is all very exciting.”

‘most comprehensive speech’

Festival Advisory Chair, Phil Edgar-Jones said: “Jeremy Corbyn has a fascinating relationship with the media, stimulating controversy on a near daily basis.”

“With that scrutiny in mind it’s important to uncover his view of our industry in what will be his most comprehensive speech on the subject. I am looking forward to an engaging debate.”

The writer and actress Michaela Coel will give the keynote MacTaggart lecture at the three-day event. Hugh Grant, Michael Palin and Steve Coogan are also set to take part in panel sessions.