The Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund has been set-up in memory of the celebrated broadcaster who died earlier this year from cancer.
The fund, which is backed by an appeal organised by the Media Society and the Royal Television Society, will provide a scholarship initiative for young people from low income households.
It was launched yesterday by Steve’s three sons – Freddie, Billy and Bertie – in an interview with Eddie Mair.
Hewlett shared his experiences of cancer through a series of remarkable interviews with Mair on Radio Four’s PM programme.
Steve’s sons Freddie, Billy and Bertie said: “We are so proud to launch this scholarship in dad’s name.
“He knew about it before he died and was involved in the early planning of how it would operate and the young people from lower income families it will help into journalism.”
Clive Jones, who chairs the appeal and appointed Steve to be Director of Programmes when he was CEO of Carlton Television, added: “These scholarships will be a worthy memorial to a brilliant, inspirational journalist that so many of us were proud to work with and call a friend.”
RTS Chief Executive Theresa Wise said: “Steve was a vehement campaigner for improving access to the media industry for those with geographically diverse and low income backgrounds so the fund offers a great way to celebrate his life and support his legacy.”
The Hewlett Scholarship will be presented each year to one recipient from a lower income family studying an undergraduate broadcast journalism course in the UK.
The recipient will receive £2,000 per year for three years to fund their living expenses, as well as membership of the RTS and affiliate Hospital Club membership while studying.
They will also receive mentoring from industry professionals to help them make the strongest possible start to their career.
Hewlett will also be remembered through an annual memorial lecture, the first of which will be given by his friend Nick Robinson of the Today Programme on 28 September at the University of Westminster.
Organisations and individuals already backing the initiative and committing funds to the appeal include: the BBC, Brunel University, Channel Four, Directors Cut Films, Google UK, ITN, ITV, Sky News, The London Press Club, Women in Journalism, Alex Graham, the chairman of the Scott Trust and Peter Taylor OBE.
No comments yet