Former Channel 4 Chief Executive Alex Mahon and ex-BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore are among the recipients in the 2026 New Year Honours list.
Mahon, who currently heads live entertainment group Superstruct Entertainment after eight years as Channel 4 CEO, was made a CBE for services to broadcasting and diversity. Moore, who took over as CEO of Left Bank Pictures last year, was awarded an OBE for services to public service broadcasting.
Elsewhere, actor Idris Elba was awarded a knighthood for services to young people. Meera Syal, the comedian, writer and actor, known for The Kumars at No 42, becomes a dame for services to literature, drama and charity.
Last of the Summer Wine, Keeping Up Appearances and Open All Hours creator Roy Clarke was given a knighthood for services to entertainment.
Martin Baker, Chief Commercial Affairs Officer and Managing Director of the Paralympics for Channel 4, received an MBE for services to broadcasting.
Former British Film Institute execs Tina McFarling and David Thomas Gurney were also awarded MBEs. McFarling was the BFI’s Head of Strategic Communications until July 2025, while Gurney MBE was Film Laboratory Lead until summer 2025.
Composer Max Richter, whose scores include Waltz With Bashir, Wadjda, and Hamnet, has earned a CBE.
Actor and presenter Warwick Davis received an OBE, as did Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas and presenter and writer Richard Osman.
Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan and football commentator Clive Tyldesley are also appointed OBEs.
Comedian Bill Bailey, actor Sally Lindsay and children's TV star Paul Chuckle are made MBEs. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo becomes an MBE in recognition of her work as an actor, singer, producer, and author.
TV chef Marcus Wareing and Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer also received MBEs.
Expanded Future Tech to showcase the very best in innovation, technology and talent
After a successful debut in 2025, Future Tech returns to Hall 14 of the RAI this year, with more features, more innovation and more of the technologies shaping the next era of media and entertainment.
Netflix uses GenAI on 300 titles in 2026
Netflix has revealed that nearly 300 titles on its platform have used generative AI, from early concept stages and pre-visualisation through to post-production and release.
Poppy Dixon appointed BBC Head of Documentaries
The BBC has appointed former Sky executive Poppy Dixon as its Head of Documentaries.
Virgin Media launches AI robots to monitor TV network in real-time
Virgin Media has created its own AI robots to monitor its television network quality in real-time in a bid to quickly identify and resolve any issues when they occur.
US government seizes over 1,000 websites streaming FIFA World Cup
Global anti-piracy coalition the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has applauded the US government’s seizure of over 1000 illegal websites streaming the FIFA World Cup over the past month.


