The MacTaggart Lecture is the cornerstone of the Edinburgh International Television Festival and is arguably the most important media address of the calendar. Delivered to the leading lights of the media world, this year the festival is making the speech available to YouTube users in a live stream direct from the Edinburgh International Conference Centre from 6.45pm (BST) this Friday, August 26.

Past speakers have included media magnate Rupert Murdoch, broadcaster Jeremy Paxman and the late great Dennis Potter, writer of series like “Karaoke” and “Lipstick On Your Collar”. This year Google Chairman Dr. Eric Schmidt will be giving the lecture where he’ll discuss how the TV business can make the most of the internet opportunity. Thanks to the live stream from the Media Guardian's International Television Festival channel, you'll get to hear the message in real time.



Taking place on 26-28 August 2011, the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival is the only industry event that brings together the great and the good, the heroes and villains, the stars of the screen and the people that made it all happen.

The festival weekend - now in its 36th year - will feature a line-up of over 50 sessions that focus on the year’s finest successes, address the current issues that face us all, and provide information, celebration and networking with the cream of the television industry and beyond.

To stay abreast of developments at the festival, simply subscribe to the MGEITF channel. And don't forget to tune in on Friday at 6.45pm (BST).

Laura Quinn, YouTube UK, recently watched "MacTaggart 2010 highlights".