Launched in 1997, The Alternative MacTaggart gives a unique platform to a media visionary to help shape debate in the global television industry from an alternative perspective. In the past it has been delivered by politicians, leading authors, playwrights, journalists, media titans and actors, including Nicola Sturgeon, Mary Portas, Charlie Brooker, Professor Brian Cox, Al Gore, Armando Iannucci, Sharon Horgan and Russell Brand.