An university professor of film, media and journalism is to present two lectures next week, speculating on the future media needs of the Highlands and Islands.
Professor Neil Blain, from the University of Stirling, is speaking in Inverness, followed by Stornoway, on the subject: ‘Local? Where’s that? Media access, resource and representation in the Highlands and Islands’.
Says a statement issued by the university: “He will examine how local identity can be sustained in the light of new internet developments and a changing media landscape.”
He is quoted, saying: “Small nations face a disproportionate challenge sustaining their media provision. Television, radio, newspapers and cinema offer different cases, but the economic health of these traditional media in Scotland, while variable, now often causes concern, sometimes gloom.
“More recent developments based round telephony and the internet bring opportunity for local enterprise but mixed effects in sustaining local identity and representation. The media play a central role in culture, democracy, investment and employment. Is this a Scottish issue, or a lot more local than that?”
Professor Blain will be speaking on Wednesday at 5.30pm in the Auditorium of the University of Stirling’s Highland Campus, based within the Centre for Health Science at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
He will also deliver his talk the following day, at 6.30pm at the Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway.
Both events are open to all and are free.
