17 February 2005

57 channels and nothing on

"90% of television is almost certainly rubbish" is the opinion of one of Scotland's best known broadcasters who will espouse his views on television in the second of the University of Dundee's Saturday evening lecture series on Saturday 26th February.

Ken MacDonald from BBC Scotland will also examine the "strange power" that Hitler has over television schedulers, reveal the truth about his public spat with Jeremy Paxman, explain why 90% of television is rubbish and will mysteriously admit to a shameful moment in 1988 when his ignorance failed to bring down the Bush dynasty.

The lecture entitled "57 channels and nothing on" will also address why there should be a big difference between what the BBC and commercial broadcasters do.

Ken's lecture will take place on Saturday 26 February at 6pm in the Tower Extension Lecture Theatre at the University of Dundee. The lecture is free and open to the public.

This year's lecture series ranges from Burns to the Beano, with Canadian Peter Hansen travelling to Dundee to discuss the history of the famous Beano and Dandy comics on 19 March. Other lectures in the series include Dr Stephen Minger on 30 April who will be discussing stem-cell research, a contentious issue that was widely debated in the recent American presidential election. Lord Puttnam, the renowned film producer with credits including 'Chariots of Fire' will also lecture on 7 May.

By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk