Sharon Osbourne will be offering her first hand experience of why celebrities sign up to appear on reality TV programmes in I’m a Celebrity: Get Me on TV at this year’s MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, which takes place from 22-24 August. Osbourne will join the panel to debate why any celebrity in their right mind appears on reality TV programmes.
In recent years a number of reality shows have been instrumental in the demise of several celebrity careers and blamed for numerous relationship break-ups, but broadcasters continue to push the genre further every year. In the last 12 months audiences have seen Jodie Marsh marry a stranger, Kerry Katona give birth, Steve Strange manage a hair salon, and dozens of others putting themselves under scrutiny in the name of entertainment.
Osbourne, who remains an exception to the rule – having achieved worldwide fame through MTV reality series The Osbournes, The X Factor and America’s Got Talent – will discuss along with fellow panellists from the world of broadcasting, talent management and journalism why it seems some celebrities will do anything for exposure and where this pursuit for ratings will end.
Andrew MacKenzie, 2008 MGEITF Advisory Chair and Head of Factual Entertainment at Channel Four, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sharon has agreed to join the panel for I’m a Celebrity: Get me on TV as she is sure to offer some fascinating insights into the world of celebrity television. Her presence at the Festival alongside our other speakers such as Jamie Oliver, Tim Kring, Russell T Davies and numerous other big names, just goes to show how well regarded the Festival is within the industry.”
Note to Editors:
A unique opportunity for individuals from across the media to share ideas, make new contacts and reconnect with friends and colleagues, the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival offers delegates a varied programme of topical debates, masterclasses, keynote lectures and networking opportunities from leading UK and international media figures. The Festival programme is developed by an Advisory Committee made up of individuals from across the industry such as Left Bank MD Andy Harries, Brighter Pictures MD David Flynn, Outline Productions Joint Managing Director Helen Veale and Magic Lantern Creative Director Russell Stopford; the committee is chaired by C4 Head of Factual Entertainment Andrew Mackenzie. For ongoing programme news and updates go to www.mgeitf.co.uk The MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival is a delegate entry event which annually attracts over 2000 delegates from all sectors and levels of the industry including a range of terrestrial broadcasters, cable, satellite and digital companies and independent producers.
The Festival runs from Friday 22nd August – Sunday 24 August. For registration or to sign up for e-newsletters please visit www.mgeitf.co.uk
MGEITF Press Information/press accreditation:
Debra Johnson or Kat Taylor, Taylor Herring PR. Tel: + 44 (0)208 206 5151 Email:debra.johnson@taylorherring.com or kat.taylor@taylorherring.com