Upcoming Trade Shows London, UK for Entertainment & Media

London’s entertainment and media industry has taken an interesting turn following Brexit and the pandemic. London is no longer being regarded as the be-all of entertainment, which has always been the case until this point. Channel 4’s decision to commission ""The Steph Show,"" hosted by Steph McGovern and broadcast live from Leeds, represents a pivotal moment in this movement. This departure from the capital city exemplifies a broader industry trend aimed at decentralizing production and amplifying voices from across the UK. Historically, London has monopolized the industry's attention, talent and resources. However, projects like ""The Steph Show"" seek to spread wealth and spotlight stories from regions like Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which have often been overshadowed by London's dominance. This shift is not only about equitable representation but also reflects a response to the growing polarization within British society, particularly highlighted by the Brexit referendum in 2016. The imperative to diversify the entertainment industry geographically has gained momentum with support from the British government and regulatory bodies like Ofcom. Stricter quotas have been implemented, mandating a percentage of expenditure and program hours for productions made outside London. This approach aims to ensure that the industry reflects the cultural richness and diversity of the entire UK, rather than solely projecting the influence of London. The BBC has been a frontrunner in this movement, relocating thousands of positions to Salford in England's North-West. With over half of its staff now based outside London, the BBC is committed to showcasing this geographic diversity in its programming and talent pool. Ken MacQuarrie, BBC's director for nations and regions, emphasizes the importance of tapping into the UK's diverse creative base to produce authentic stories that resonate globally.