Former Royal Television Society (RTS) Chief Executive, diversity campaigner and producer Simon Albury has passed away at the age of 80.
Albury headed the RTS from 2000-2012, and for the past 10 years chaired the Campaign for Broadcasting Equality, which promotes equality and diversity in broadcasting, television and film.
Albury’s TV roles include a spell as Director of Public Affairs at ITV company Meridian as well as the Head of the Campaign for Quality Television.
Albury started working in television in 1969 for Granada TV’s current affairs series World in Action, and went on to make programmes for the BBC such as 24 Hours and Man Alive as well as producing films on John Lennon, Andy Warhol and David Hockney. He rejoined Granada in 1974.
He was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting in 2019.
Theresa Wise, Chief Executive of the RTS, said: “Simon was a huge personality and inhabited the RTS role with an inimitable style and charm. He will be very much missed by the RTS family.”
Marcus Ryder, CEO of The Film and TV Charity, described him as an industry trailblazer: “As CEO of the RTS Simon supported creatives from diverse backgrounds, and as the Chair of the Campaign for Broadcast Equality, he spoke truth to power. Most of all he believed real change was possible and supported those who were fighting to make a difference. He was a donor to the Film and TV Charity and a huge supporter of our work. He will be much missed.”
Actress, presenter and broadcaster Baroness Floella Benjamin said: “So sad to hear my dear Simon Albury has passed away. He was a great champion and advocate for #DiversityAndInclusion He did it with passion and vigour, whose support you could always rely on. His legacy will be remembered. May he #RIP”
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