The Edinburgh TV Festival is taking applications from “cities and regions” across the UK to play host to the event, which has been based in the capital since 1976.
Organisers said that the move was not “necessarily” about leaving Edinburgh or Scotland, but made clear that anywhere would be considered to host from 2027 onwards.
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They added that a possible relocation was being considered as part of their consideration of broadening access and expanding its reach.
Campbell Glennie, CEO of the TV Festival, said: “Edinburgh has been the much-loved home of the TV Festival for the last half century.
“As an event created by and for the TV industry, we have always championed inclusion and action on accessibility and representation. Reviewing our location is part of that same commitment, exploring how we can reduce costs for delegates and make the festival open to more people than ever before.
Journalist Emily Maitlis rehearsing ahead of delivering the 2022 MacTaggart Lecture
“This is not necessarily about leaving Edinburgh, or Scotland, but about finding the right solutions. Our goal is to broaden access, strengthen our charitable work, and ensure the festival continues to be the foremost agenda-setting event of the TV year.”
Fatima Salaria, chair of the festival board, added: “The festival has always looked to the future. Exploring where it’s held gives us the chance to reimagine how we grow and how we reflect the full breadth of the UK’s creative landscape.
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“Our aim is to create a world-class event that’s accessible, dynamic, and truly representative of our industry, while keeping the spirit and ambition that have defined Edinburgh for the past 50 years.”
It takes place during the August festival season in Edinburgh, which is increasingly associated with high costs incurred by attendees and people taking part.
The Edinburgh TV Festival notably features the McTaggart lecture, which has given a platform to figures such as Emily Maitlis, Louis Theroux and David Olusoga in recent years.