The National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, Bradford, changed its name to the National Media Museum on 1st December 2006. But despite dropping 'photography' from the title, they say they 'plan to develop and strengthen our offer around photography.'

Chairman Michael G Wilson explains: 'We see all around us a convergence of traditional types of media: photography, film, television, web, telephone, games, all these things are converging into digital realms - and in those realms we then take that material and rebroadcast it out and see it in different kinds of ways. I think it's important that we have a national museum that can chronicle this change and be a part of it.'

Plans for the unique photography collection and the opening of a possible outlet in London have not been finalised. However the museum's website indicates future plans for bursaries for up-and-coming photographers, and continuing purchases for the collection.

Impressions Gallery, whose portfolio sessions start in February 2007 with the gallery re-opening in Bradford later that year, already has plans for joint projects with the museum's photography department. Anne McNeill, Director of Impressions, said 'I hope the name change doesn't reflect a move away from
their commitment to photography; after all the museum has one of the best photographic collections in the world built up over many years by people with fantastic knowledge and commitment.'

Note for lexicographers: the term 'Media Arts' is now understood by arts professionals to include photography, video and digital arts. So Redeye is a member of the Media Arts Network, ma-net.

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