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On Eve Of Her First Convention, Royal Television Society Boss Sophie Jones Wants To Shout Louder About The “Powerhouse” UK Industry
Developing
In Short: Sophie Jones, the new head of the Royal Television Society, prepares to host her first convention in London.
Sophie Jones, who took over as the head of the Royal Television Society (RTS) three weeks ago, is gearing up for her first convention at London's King's Place, set to take place on Tuesday and chaired by Amazon.
Jones is addressing the controversy the society faced last year when it scrapped a special award for journalists in Gaza, only to reverse the decision under industry pressure.
Jones highlighted major industry developments, such as the Banijay-All3Media merger and the Sky-ITV deal, as well as the £300 million Channel 4-5 ads agreement, all of which will be discussed at the convention.
The convention, which switches between London and Cambridge annually, is known for its buzzy atmosphere and this year features talks from notable figures like Jeremy Clarkson, Graham Norton, and Steven Knight.
Jones noted that the industry is experiencing unprecedented change, and she believes the RTS should not shy away from controversy.
What this adds
The RTS Convention continues to maintain its reputation as one of the most influential UK industry events, with discussions expected to cover significant layoffs at BBC and Channel 4.
What's still developing
- “We will never take sides but we will continue to do the important work we do” while being clear about the correct “procedures and frameworks,” explained Jones.
- Jones used the example of the mammoth M&A deals struck this year such as Banijay-All3Media and Sky-ITV (both Sky and ITV chiefs will speak next week) along with the circa-£300M ($400M) Channel 4-5 ads deal as examples of where the industry is meeting the extreme demands of 2026, all of which will be up for discussion on Tuesday at King’s Place.
- There will also be plenty of “fun” next week with one panel spotlighting Amazon’s hit comedy Last One Laughing UK, Jones said.
- EXCLUSIVE: The new boss of the UK’s influential Royal Television Society (RTS) thinks the charity should shout louder about the nation’s “powerhouse” TV industry to those who matter.
- The RTS Convention continues to nurture a repuation as one of the buzziest UK industry events and this year is no different, with talks from Jeremy Clarkson, Graham Norton and Steven Knight, along with top brass at the BBC and Channel 4, Matt Brittin and Priya Dogra, both of whom may feel they have to address the hundreds of layoffs being enacted at their respective institutions.
- “It’s hard to think of a time where the industry wasn’t changing but this does feel like a moment of unprecedented change,” added Jones.
- “I do not think we should be afraid of putting interesting thinkers and much-loved people on stage,” added Jones.