As leader of one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, Bakish will share his views on global media trends, how Viacom is capitalising on shifts in consumer, technological and market dynamics, and his expectations for the future.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Bob Bakish as our opening keynote.  He is one of the most important global media leaders of the time, whose company is at the vanguard of so much exciting innovation and changing market dynamics.  He is set to be a fascinating speaker amongst a stellar line-up,” said Theresa Wise, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Television Society.

 

The RTS London Conference 2018, titled Is Bigger Better? - Will 'The Consolidation Game' help TV tip the scales against the Tech Giants?, is sponsored for the first time by Viacom International Media Networks, and co-chaired this year by David Lynn, President Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and James Currell, President, VIMN, UK, Northern and Eastern Europe.

 

The biennial one-day conference – as yet untitled – will explore the accelerating pace of consolidation across global media sectors and how this drive for scale is impacting the commissioning and production landscape. Global leaders will gather to discuss the future evolution of television both in the UK and internationally. With giant technology companies pushing deeper into video and threatening a further wave of disruption, where does this leave the traditional media majors, the UK PSBs and production companies, both big and small?  How are issues around trust and competition being addressed by organisations and by regulators?  And what will be the outcomes for viewers?

 

“This is such a fascinating and invigorating time for everyone involved in the production and distribution of video content, with compelling evidence audiences are more engaged than ever before but with intensifying competition for their attention,” commented Lynn. “The RTS remains the premier forum for debate about the change impacting the UK broadcast industry and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to shape what is already looking like a very exciting conference agenda in 2018.”

 

High profile speakers already confirmed include: Stephen van Rooyen, Chief Executive, Sky UK & ROI, Sharon White, Chief Executive, Ofcom, Tony Hall, Director General, BBC, Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive, ITV, Alex Mahon, Chief Executive, Channel 4, Ian Katz, Director of Programmes, Channel 4, Zai Bennett, Director of Programmes, Sky Entertainment UK and Ireland, David Abraham, CEO, Wonderhood Studios, Kirsty Wark, Writer and Broadcaster, Georgia Brown, Director European Originals, Amazon Studios, Mark McLane, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Barclays, Trevor Phillips OBE, Founder, Webber Phillips, Anne Nguyen, Principal, BCG, Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE, Chair, Global Disability Innovation Hub and Deputy Chair, Channel 4, Jane Turton, CEO, All3Media - with more to come.

 

The conference takes place on Tuesday 18th September at Kings Place in London.

 

Tickets for the Conference are now on sale at £570 + VAT.

 

Click here to book.

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