Edinburgh A TV festival could be moving to Scotland's capital in 50 years.
Organizers of Britain's biggest television event have launched a bid process that will see UK cities bid to host the festival from 2027, Deadline understands. Edinburgh will be allowed to re-apply and can remain as host city, but London is prohibited due to the festival's obligations to the people and regions of Britain.
We understand that this decision was made following feedback from this year's event amid a review of the 50th anniversary of the festival, which began in 1976.
Along with major changes in the sector, affordability is a key factor. The cost of living in Edinburgh in August is very high due to the Edinburgh Fringe, which takes place at the same time as the TV festival.
Cities across the UK will now be able to apply and the process will begin.
The Edinburgh TV Festival brings together the best of the British TV industry, but surprisingly over the last few years we've been told more and more that TV executives, freelancers and staff are finding it increasingly difficult to afford travel. The festival is wholly owned by the non-profit charity The TV Foundation and is governed by its own board of directors. A few days before this, the Edinburgh Film Festival will take place.
Last year, Tina Fey and Shonda Rhimes performed at the festival, and former BBC News chief James Harding delivered the annual MacTaggart Lecture. It was created after a major overhaul that saw its advisory board abolished in favor of a series of open city meetings with industry representatives across the UK, attended by last year's chairman Jane Tranter and creative director Rowan Woods.
