Recruiting its eighth intake of Television Production and Journalism bursary scholars, with the schemes running since 2014, the RTS hopes to award 35 scholarships to individuals studying Television Production or related subjects, with an additional 10 scholarships for the Technology Bursary.
The visit celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Society, of which the prince has been patron since 1997, and took place at ITV Studios in London.
A reception was attended by some of the leading figures from the UK television industry including BBC Director of Content Charlotte Moore, Secretary of State Matt Hancock, Chief Executive of Channel 4 Alex Mahon and Chief Executive of ITV Dame Carolyn McCall.
For 2025, the RTS is expanding its Digital Innovation Scheme to include students interested in a career in digital media content production and distribution, including social media, streaming platforms and branded content. Alongside existing sponsors Apple TV+ and STV, digital media charity the Andy Taylor Foundation has joined the Digital Innovation panel to provide support to two scholars who are looking to start their career in digital media. In addition to funding, these scholars will receive a MacBook and an industry mentor from the Andy Taylor Foundation network.
This year marks 10 years since the bursary schemes were launched, which aim to widen participation in, and access to, the media industry by supporting talented students from low-income backgrounds who are pursuing careers in television, film or related media industries.
RTS Bursary Scholar and award-winning camera operator Dean Massey talks about his time as a bursary scholar in the scheme's first intake and how it helped him progress in his career at Sky News.
The RTS Bursary is currently open for applications until 31 July. Apply now!
The RTS is delighted to announce that British television presenter AJ Odudu will be an Ambassador for the scheme, which will see her meeting and mentoring the scholars and attending bursaries events, as well as using her platform to highlight the importance of the RTS bursary schemes for up-and-coming talent in the television industry.
Across the 44 recipients, 34 were selected for the TV Production and Journalism Bursary (TVPJ) and 10 for the Digital Innovation Bursary (DI). Two TVPJ recipients were also awarded named scholarships. Amelia Nicola, receiving the Steve Hewlett Scholarship, and Cerys Horner the Beryl Vertue Scholarship, introduced by the RTS in 2022 for a candidate with an interest in producing.
In late June, Fremantle UK hosted the RTS’s annual summer networking session, welcoming past and present RTS Bursary scholars to their London office. Alongside their personal mentors, the attendees connected and exchanged contacts with each other and industry professionals.
Watch the 2022/23 RTS Bursary scholar video diaries below:
One of the core goals of the RTS is to support the television industry in reflecting the exciting and diverse voices of Britain today which starts by changing the industry from the inside, championing and helping talented students to consider the creative industries.
