The Royal Television Society (RTS) is launching an online course that aims to help plug the TV skills gap and fast-track careers.
Launching later this month, the RTS Mini MBA is aimed at media professionals who want to broaden their skills and progress their careers, as well as those in adjacent sectors seeking a grounding in television and streaming media.
The new initiative, which is CPD accredited, follows a DCMS report titled ‘Creative Industries Sector Vision’, that highlighted a vital gap in professional training in the media sector.
The RTS Mini MBA is made up of more than 80 hours of interactive learning and consists of 24 modules with insights from over 100 industry leaders, the syllabus spans four main strands: Industry Context, Programme Making, Business Functions, and Future Outlook.
It features filmed interviews with more than 70 experts, webinars, case studies and practical assessments.
Participants can explore and analyse topics ranging from: how a programme is developed, commissioned and made; to how money flows within the TV industry, and how the UK TV landscape is likely to change over the next 5-10 years.
The course has been developed with contributions from industry leaders including Jane Turton, CEO, All3Media; Mike Fries, CEO, Liberty Global; Patrick Holland, Executive Chairman & CEO, Banijay UK; Sarah Rose, President of Channel 5 and UK Regional Lead, Paramount; Simon Pitts, Chief Executive Officer, STV Group; Zai Bennett, Chief Executive and Chief Creative Officer, BBC Studios; Amelia Brown, CEO, Fremantle UK; Stephen Lambert, CEO, Studio Lambert, All3Media; Ade Rawcliffe, Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion, ITV; Jon Thoday, Founder & MD, Avalon Entertainment Ltd; Evan Shapiro, Media Cartographer, Eshap; Dawn Airey, Chair, Barclay’s Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship; Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, BBC; and Tim Hincks, Co-CEO, Expectation.
Theresa Wise, CEO of the RTS, said: “There’s currently a gap in the UK for an in-depth professional higher education course covering the business side of the television industry. Thank you so much to the industry leaders who have generously provided their insights and time to contribute to this course.”
Registrations will open in 2025. Initially, the RTS Mini MBA will be available to company employees. Past and present RTS bursary scholars can sign up free of charge.
UK launches copyright consultation for creative industries and AI developers
The UK government has launched a consultation looking at how copyright-protected material can be used to train AI models.
BBC and ITV confirm rights deal for FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030
BBC Sport and ITV have agreed a deal for live coverage of the FIFA World Cups in 2026 and 2030 across TV, audio and digital platforms.
US writers call on Hollywood studios to take action against AI firms
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has called on Hollywood studios to “come off the sidelines” and prevent tech companies from allegedly using its members’ works to train AI platforms.
Arte joins European Broadcasting Union
Arte, the Franco-German public service broadcaster, has become the newest member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Lee Walters appointed Chair of BAFTA Cymru
BAFTA has named Lee Walters as Chair of its Wales branch BAFTA Cymru.
