Kirsty Wark Interviews Sherwood Creator on TV Class Representation Issue

Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark is set to delve into screenwriter and playwright James Graham’s call for addressing the TV industry’s class disparity in his James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture.

On Thursday, Scottish presenter Wark will interview Graham on the themes, issues, and questions raised in his lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Wednesday night. Graham advocated for the defense of the BBC licence fee to ensure the continuation of “high-quality working-class” British stories.

Later in the day, Channel 4 and BBC executives are scheduled to discuss their plans and highlight their programs and live events from the past year.

Former Top Gear producer Andy Wilman, who has collaborated with Jeremy Clarkson on The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, ex-Newsnight producer Sam McAlister, and historian David Olusoga will also participate in discussions throughout the day.

During his Wednesday speech, Graham referenced research from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre, which highlighted that under 10% of people in the TV, video, radio, and photography sectors were from working-class backgrounds last year. The 42-year-old Sherwood creator pointed out that even fewer individuals from his socio-economic background are bringing their experiences, outlooks, stories, and culture to TV.

Graham emphasized that the demographic struggling the most to find a foothold in the industry is unable to create the programs that people in their social class consume more than others. He drew parallels between class and aspects such as faith, nationality, and ethnicity.

He also urged the new Government to allow culture to play an active part in its promise of “national renewal”.

As the third day of the annual event concludes, McAlister, whose book Scoops inspired the successful Netflix film about the Duke of York’s ill-fated Newsnight interview, will also discuss class. She will engage in a conversation with Olusoga, comedian Lucy Beaumont, and TV executives from UKTV and National Geographic.

In the evening, comedian and Ghosts actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe will host the Edinburgh TV Awards. Nominees include the ITV show Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, the Japanese historical series Shogun, and the game show Squid Game: The Challenge.