James Murdoch to give RTS keynote

21^st Century Fox boss James Murdoch will give the keynote address at the RTS Cambridge conference this September.

The Fox CEO will headline the event with Sky, the pay TV operator the company is in the throes of taking over, the event’s main sponsor this year.

Ofcom chief Sharon White will also speak. The UK communications regulator is set to advise the UK government on Fox’s attempt to buy the 61% of Sky it does not already own, and with some of the chief protagonists in that deal in attendance, it is sure to be the main subject of debate 

Other highlights of the September event include addresses from Andy Harries, chief exec of Sony-backed Left Bank Pictures, which makes Netflix series The Crown, and Andy Wilman, the producer of hit Amazon series The Grand Tour.

Michelle Guthrie (right), a former News Corp. exec before it split its business into News Corp and Fox, will speak in her new role as managing director of the ABC, the Australian pubcaster she is in the throes of restructuring.

Theresa Wise, CEO of the Royal Television Society, said: “[James Murdoch’s] keynote will offer a unique insight from a company that has played a big part in shaping the media landscape of today and who are known to challenge convention.

“He will be joined by a stellar line-up of senior industry figures and future leaders to discuss the challenges of a shifting TV landscape.”