2009 MacTaggart Lecture in Edinburgh by James Murdoch

The transcript discusses the potential of UK media, emphasizing the need for a policy framework that supports commercial incentives. It highlights the challenges of transitioning to digital media and criticizes interventionist management in broadcasting. The text contrasts authoritarian control with free market success, advocating for trust in consumer choices. It warns against excessive regulation and state media dominance, stressing the importance of media plurality and independence.

What is necessary for the UK media to reach its full potential according to the speaker?

• Increased government regulation

• Adoption of a policy framework recognizing commercial incentives

• More state-sponsored media

• Focus on analog broadcasting

What does the speaker suggest is the key to success in the media market?

• Increasing state funding

• Strict government control

• Trusting people to make their own media choices

• Eliminating competition

According to the speaker, what is the result of billions of media choices made by people?

• Increased government intervention

• Monopoly of state media

• Decline of media companies

• Survival and prosperity of good companies

What does the speaker warn against in relation to state control of information?

• Increased media diversity

• Manipulation and distortion

• Better quality journalism

• More creative content

What does the speaker believe is fundamental to the health of creative industries?

• Increased foreign investment

• Complete deregulation

• A smaller scale of state sponsorship

• Large-scale state sponsorship