The Children‘s Media Conference

CMC 2019 - Opening Keynote: Nadiya Hussain & Changemaker: Noga Levy-Rapoport

Since winning ‘The Great British Bake Off’ in 2015, Nadiya Hussain has written and presented her way to national treasure status in record time. Her refusal to be pigeon-holed has been as striking as her willingness to speak out – including openly discussing her lifelong struggle with a panic disorder.

Ahead of the publication of her first children’s picture book, ‘My Monster and Me’, Nadiya will take to the stage to open the conference on Tuesday 2^nd July, and face down the monsters that surround us all: mental health, intolerance, inequality… as she considers what we can all do to inspire young people to feel truly limitless.

CMC 2019 - Gambling and Gaming: What’s the Difference? What’s the Harm?

This session aims to explore gambling and gaming cultures and behaviours among children and young people and examines some recent controversies about the increasing reach of gambling into the lives of children through inclusion of gambling mechanics within games (e.g. Loot Boxes). The panelists, who have a range of perspectives, will consider the extent to which gambling and gaming are connected, the impact of gambling on young people’s lives and question whether this is something to be concerned about or not.

CMC 2019 - Changemaker - Harrison Gunn

Harrison is 13 years old and lives in Bedfordshire with his mum and younger brother, Ollie. Harrison is a BAFTA Kids Young Presenter and has recently launched his own podcast, ‘Harrison Gunn Talks’. This was inspired by his enthusiasm to discuss issues that affect young people. Harrison has a diagnosis of Asperger’s and ADHD and is passionate about breaking down barriers to enable other young people like himself, to dream big and achieve their goals.

CMC 2019 - Changemaker - Euella Jackson

Euella is a young presenter and creative producer, working in Bristol. 2017 alumni of Rife Magazine, an online magazine and talent development programme for young content creators, Euella currently works with Rising Arts Agency to help underrepresented young creatives take up space, leadership and strategic decision-making positions in the sector. She is on the board of Encounters Short Film Festival and in 2018, worked alongside Mayor, Marvin Rees, on Bristol’s successful bid for the Channel 4 Creative Hub relocation.

CMC 2019 - Changemaker - Ruda Santos

Ruda is a 20-year-old Brazilian writer and director based in London. He is a BFI & NFTS Film Academy alumni. Ruda has made content for Nike, Channel 4, Adult Swim and Nowness. His narratives often centre around interrelated characters and youth culture. His visual style is characterised by distinctive, long, choreographed Steadicam shots with meticulous transitions and vivid colours. Ruda is represented by Francesca Devas at Independent Talent for Film & TV and Great Guns for commercials.

CMC 2019 - Changemaker - Finlay Pringle

11 year old Finlay has always had a love for the marine environment but especially sharks. Since the age of 10 he has campaigned relentlessly to raise awareness about sharks and why they need to be protected not feared. He has campaigned to stop restaurants serving shark fin soup and even took on Bear Grylls over his shark dive experience at his new adventure park in Birmingham.

In December 2018 he was the first school child in Scotland and possibly the UK to start climate striking, joining the Fridays For Future movement started by Greta Thunberg, as he saw the impact that climate change was having on the marine environment. In the last six months he has travelled to the Scottish and European Parliaments to speak directly with politicians and given numerous television and radio interviews about this issue.

CMC 2019 - Changemaker - Dan Lawes

Daniel is an eighteen-year-old activist from Manchester. In 2016 he founded the non-profit organisation YouthPolitics UK with aim of providing young people with the skills needed to enact positive social change and to engage them with the democratic process. Since its formation, YouthPolitics UK has expanded nation-wide, with branches in London and Edinburgh. The youth led organisation ensures that young peoples’ voices are heard in the current political climate by offering free training programmes and providing opportunities to discuss issues with high profile decision makers. Daniel is also an ambassador of HRH #iWill Campaign and has been awarded The Diana Award and a National Democracy Award from the UK Government for his work.

CMC 2019 - Changemaker - Brandon Relph

18 year-old Brandon Relph is one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs and the world’s leading youth specialist, working with Fortune 100 companies and government bodies to expand their knowledge of Generation Z. He was formally the youngest CEO in the UK, for a year and a half. He is also the co-host of the popular podcast ’The Z-X Spectrum’ and executively produces content for ThinkNation. Described as “awesome” by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, he is one to watch!

CMC 2019 - Changemaker - Alvin Owusu

Alvin is the founder of TAG (The Advantage Group) and an IWILL ambassador. TAG is a social enterprise that aims to improve the employability and change the narrative of young people from underrepresented groups. Alvin has been able to impact over 600 students by delivering events and workshops in partnership with global companies such as Google and Facebook. Alvin was awarded a Point of Light from Theresa May for demonstrating remarkable commitment to improving career opportunities for young people.

CMC 2019 - The Last Word

A panel of CMC Changemakers discussed the conference, the wider industry and commitments to diversity.