RTS chief executive Theresa Wise, who attended the launch at the Isle of Man Film Festival, welcomed the new centre. “It is a testament to the health of our industry and the hard work of our volunteers and members,” she said.

The centre will host events for industry professionals on the Isle of Man, and those who want to break into television or who simply have an interest in it.

Isle of Media – the development agency for television, film and video on the island – supported the launch of the RTS centre. It has also become a patron of the national RTS. 

“It will be a huge assist to our creative sector to have an RTS centre based on the island. We look forward to supporting its development,” said Michael Wilson, CEO of Isle of Media.

He added: “Opening a centre here adds an additional strength to the sector, and helps develop skills, education and awareness of the arts and craft of television and the wider creative and digital industry."

Until last year, Wilson ran UTV in Northern Ireland. He is also a past chair of RTS Northern Ireland.

Isle of Media is a not-for-profit public-private partnership with the Isle of Man Government, which aims to attract investment to the island, and to promote the indigenous TV and film industry and talent.