Galway, Thursday 17th April 2008- Neil Mossey, writer and BBC Panorama journalist John Sweeney are the international names lined up to speak at the last day of the Celtic Media Festival ( Friday April 18th 2008).

Neil Mossey, writer of KateModern, currently wowing millions of viewers on Bebo will participate in a seminar entitled 'Tripping on My Platforms' which looks at the future for programme makers.

Chief Executive Officer of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, Michael O'Keefe will contribute to a seminar entitled 'Regulation and the Public Service Media'. Chaired by Broadcasted and journalist Steve Hewlett and featuring Ian Hargreaves, Ofcom, Jeremy Peat, BBC Trust, the seminar will explore the key characteristics of Public Service Media and examine its specific responsibilities in countries with indigenous minority language and a rapidly changing international migrant community.

Closing the festival will be RTE News at One presenter Sean O' Rourke's interview with John Sweeney, BBC Panorama journalist.

John Sweeney, investigative reporter will be interviewed by RTE News at One presenter, Sean O' Rourke for the Closing Interview of the 2008 Celtic Media Festival.

An award winning journalist and author, John Sweeney made the headlines last May when video footage filmed by the Church of Scientology was released on You Tube showing Sweeney shouting at Scientology representative Tommy Davis during an interview for the Panorama investigation into Scientology written and presented by Sweeney.

Tomorrow afternoon,(Friday 18th April), TG4's Daithi O Se and RnaG's Bernie Ni Chuinn will announce winners and present awards in six categories including Radio Documentary, Entertainment, Factual Documentary, Radio Presenter, Childrens and Current Affairs.

Irish entrants short listed for tomorrow's awards include IFTA winner Aifric in addition to Mint Productions' Get Collins, Naked Camera from Scratch Productions, BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight: The Pitbull Sting, Remembering Hanna Greally from Well Said and Kevin Rafter's Markey for RTE Radio 1.

Also making the final cut for the Radio presenter of the year award are Sean Ban Breathnach and Michelle Nic Ghrianna from Raidio na Gaeltachta. They will be competing with entries from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cornwall and Brittany for the eagerly sought after Bronze Torcs for Excellence.

Highlight of the awards ceremonies will be the Gala Dinner on Friday night where the prestigious Spirit of the Festival Gold Torc will be presented alongside Radio Station of the Year, the Frank Copplestone Award for First time Director and the Jury Award.

Full details of the awards are available on http://www.celticmediafestival.co.uk