As Britain's leading forum for television and related media and an educational charity whose purpose is to promote the art and science of television, the RTS has extended its educational remit with the launch of bursaries totalling £60,000 per year. The announcement was made today by HRH the Prince of Wales, who is the Patron of the Society, at an RTS Craft Skills Masterclass event held in London. 

The fund will offer 20 bursaries of £3,000 (£1,000 per year) to students studying television production and related digital media at accredited British universities.  These are aimed at students in less affluent circumstances and are about widening participation in our media and related industries. In addition the scholars of the RTS bursaries will receive free membership of The Hospital Club while studying and one year’s free membership of the RTS post graduation.

Theresa Wise, CEO, RTS says "As an educational charity the RTS must play a bigger role in developing the next generation of television professionals. We wish to encourage more diverse and less affluent young people to consider a future career in our industries and provide tangible support during the early stages of their development and career progression”.

The RTS will also stage a national one day networking event bringing academics together with broadcasters, producers and industry executives. The aim of this event will be to bridge the gap between the needs of the television industry and the activities of various educational bodies and provide up-to-date knowledge of the fast-changing television sector.

The RTS Craft Skills Masterclass event was aimed at students who wish to learn more about sound, camerawork and editing from the best practitioners in their fields. Danny Cohen, Director of Television for the BBC, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia and Sophie Turner Laing, Managing Director, Content for BSkyB emphasised what a key part craft skills play in the overall success of productions.  The event was chaired by David Liddiment.

The timetable and process for bursary applications will be published in January on the RTS website. If you would like to register your interest, please do so at bursaries@rts.org.uk.