Royal Television Society

The Royal Television Society (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 fourteen regional and national centres in the UK, as well as a branch in the Republic of Ireland.

Royal Television Society
AbbreviationRTS
Formation1927 (1927)
TypeTelevision organisation
HeadquartersLondon, EC4
United Kingdom
Region served
United Kingdom and Ireland
Membership
5030 (2019)[1]
Official language
English
Patron
Charles, Prince of Wales
Chief executive
Theresa Wise
Websitewww.rts.org.uk

History

The group was formed as the Television Society on 7 September 1927,[2] a time when television was still 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 King's 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 "Anatomy of a Hit" events, which gather together the writers, cast and commissioner of some of Britain's most successful TV shows to discuss their qualities. Recent programmes 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 six national award ceremonies annually:

National Awards

  • RTS Programme Awards[10]
  • RTS Television Journalism Awards[11]
  • RTS Craft & Design Awards[12]
  • RTS Student Television Awards[13]
  • RTS Young Technologist Awards[14] is given to this seen as potential future leaders in broadcasting technology.
  • RTS Pilgrim Awards[15] acknowledges the outstanding work of RTS volunteers.

Regional Awards

The Royal Television Society hosts fifteen regional award ceremonies annually:

  • RTS Cymru/Wales Awards [16]
  • RTS Devon and Cornwall Awards [16]
  • RTS East Awards [16]
  • RTS Isle of Man Awards [16]
  • RTS London Awards [16]
  • RTS Midlands Awards [16]
  • RTS North East and Border Awards [16]
  • RTS North West Awards [16]
  • RTS Northern Ireland Awards [16]
  • RTS Republic of Ireland Awards [16]
  • RTS Scotland Awards [16]
  • RTS Southern Awards [16]
  • RTS Thames Valley Awards [16]
  • RTS West of England Awards (formerly known as RTS Bristol Awards) [16]
  • RTS Yorkshire Awards [16]

RTS Futures

RTS Futures was launched in 2007[17] to help people in the early stages of their television careers. RTS Futures offers 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
  1. "Annual Report (2019)" (PDF). rts.org.uk. 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  2. "Television, Fame and New Discoveries".
  3. "The birthplace of television".
  4. "Creative Week 2015 partners". Archived from the original on 27 February 2016.
  5. "Prince of Wales Patronages; Prince of Wales". princeofwales.gov.uk. Retrieved 16 November 2015.
  6. "RTS Conferences".
  7. "Sherlock: Anatomy of a Hit event report".
  8. "Doctor Who: Anatomy of a Hit event report".
  9. "Humans: Anatomy of a Hit event report".
  10. "RTS Programme Awards".
  11. "RTS Television Journalism Awards".
  12. "RTS Craft & Design Awards".
  13. "RTS Student Television Awards".
  14. "RTS Young Technologist Award".
  15. "RTS Pilgrim Awards".
  16. "RTS in my Area Royal Television Society". rts.org.uk. RTS. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
  17. "Duncan to lead RTS drive for young talent".
  18. "Sir Bob Phillis obituary". The Guardian. 22 December 2009. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
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