The BBC Broadcasts to the World from Te Papa Tongarewa
Released at 9:57am on 07 Oct 2009
The Forum, a BBC World Service weekly discussion show that brings together acclaimed thinkers to explore and challenge thoughts and ideas from outside their own discipline, is recording a series of programmes in partnership with ABC Radio National and Radio New Zealand during October.
Presented by the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, Bridget Kendall, The Forum will be recording a series of programmes with leading thinkers, writers and scientists from the region at the Sydney Festival of Dangerous Ideas, the Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, with lively audiences participating in all recordings.
New Zealand’s contribution from Soundings Theatre, Te Papa, co-hosted by Radio New Zealand and the BBC World Service, will be recorded on Saturday 10 October when the programme addresses what makes us human, the human heart and human values.
Those taking part include teacher and writer Bernard Beckett, who will draw on his latest novel Genesis to uncover what differentiates us from machines; bio engineer Peter Hunter, who will tell us how applying engineering and mechanical principles to construct a virtual model of the human heart could lead to the development of personalised medicine; and former politician and now public policy professor, Dr Marilyn Waring, who will argue that our understanding of value has to be widened to include ‘cultural wellbeing’, focusing on people and their families to maintain the wellbeing of the planet.
The Forum’s Executive Producer, Emily Kasriel says at the heart of the show are unexpected insights which are thrown up when you mix together three people from different disciplines and cultures to create a unique space in which to debate and challenge ideas.
“It is a tremendously exciting opportunity for The Forum to be working with Radio New Zealand to capture this range of ideas and perspectives from renowned thinkers from the other side of the world, and bring these to our global audience”
Members of the public are invited to join the audience for this live recording of The Forum presented by Bridget Kendall at Soundings Theatre, Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand, at 11 am Saturday 10 October.
This programme will broadcast on BBC World Service on Sunday 18 October, 19:00 GMT and on Radio New Zealand National later in the year.
ENDS:
For further information contact:
John Barr
Communications Manager
Radio New Zealand
Phone: (04) 474-1868 Email: john.barr@radionz.co.nz