Royal Television Society

Royal Television Society
Abbreviation RTS
Formation 1927
Type Television organisation
Headquarters London
Location
  • 3 Dorset Rise, London, EC4Y 8EN
Region served
 England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
Membership
 Approximately 4000
Official language
 English
Patron
 HRH The Prince of Wales
President
 Sir Peter Bazalgette[1]
Chief executive
 Theresa Wise
Website www.rts.org.uk

The Royal Television Society, or RTS, is a British-based educational charity for the discussion, and analysis of television in all its forms, past, present and future. It is the oldest television society in the world. It currently has twelve regional and national centres in the UK, as well as a branch in the Republic of Ireland.

History

The group was formed as The Television Society on 7 September 1927,[2] a time when television was still very much in its experimental stage. Regular high-definition (then defined as at least 200 lines) broadcasts did not even begin for another nine years until the BBC began its transmissions from Alexandra Palace in 1936.[3]

In addition to serving as a forum for scientists and engineers, the society published regular newsletters charting the development of the new medium. These documents now form important historical records of the early history of television broadcasting.

The society was granted its Royal title in 1966.[4] The Prince of Wales became patron of the Society in November 1997.[5]

Activities

The society regularly holds meetings and seminars, attended by members of the public and professionals from various areas of the television industry, and it also publishes the monthly magazine Television, covering a broad range of television topics.

Major events held by the RTS include the biennial RTS Cambridge Convention,[6] a three day event held at Kings College Cambridge. The convention, chaired by one of the UK's major broadcasters, brings together influential figures from the television industry for a series of stimulating talks.

The RTS also hosts popular Anatomy of a Hit events, which gather together the writers, cast and commissioner of some of Britain's favourite TV shows to discuss what makes them so great. Recent programme discussed have included Sherlock,[7] Doctor Who[8] and Humans.[9]

The society also holds a substantial archive of printed, photographic and audio-visual material of value to television historians and scholars.

Awards

The Royal Television Society hosts four national award ceremonies annually:

In addition, the RTS Young Technologist Award[14] is given to this seen as potential future leaders in broadcasting technology. Meanwhile the RTS Pilgrim Awards[15] acknowledge the outstanding work of RTS volunteers.

Regional centres also hold their own award ceremonies.

RTS Futures

RTS Futures was launched in 2007[16] to help people in the early stages of their television careers. It is chaired by media consultant Donna Taberer. Membership to RTS Futures is free. Members have the opportunity to meet with senior industry professionals, such as series producers and commissioners, as well as their peers in the television industry. RTS Futures hosts a wide range of talks and training sessions aimed at helping young people progress in the business. Recent events have included How to be the Best Researcher and the RTS Futures Entry Level Training Fair.

Presidents of the Society

References

External links

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