Former Channel 4 Chief Executive Alex Mahon and ex-BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore are among the recipients in the 2026 New Year Honours list.
Mahon, who currently heads live entertainment group Superstruct Entertainment after eight years as Channel 4 CEO, was made a CBE for services to broadcasting and diversity. Moore, who took over as CEO of Left Bank Pictures last year, was awarded an OBE for services to public service broadcasting.
Elsewhere, actor Idris Elba was awarded a knighthood for services to young people. Meera Syal, the comedian, writer and actor, known for The Kumars at No 42, becomes a dame for services to literature, drama and charity.
Last of the Summer Wine, Keeping Up Appearances and Open All Hours creator Roy Clarke was given a knighthood for services to entertainment.
Martin Baker, Chief Commercial Affairs Officer and Managing Director of the Paralympics for Channel 4, received an MBE for services to broadcasting.
Former British Film Institute execs Tina McFarling and David Thomas Gurney were also awarded MBEs. McFarling was the BFI’s Head of Strategic Communications until July 2025, while Gurney MBE was Film Laboratory Lead until summer 2025.
Composer Max Richter, whose scores include Waltz With Bashir, Wadjda, and Hamnet, has earned a CBE.
Actor and presenter Warwick Davis received an OBE, as did Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas and presenter and writer Richard Osman.
Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan and football commentator Clive Tyldesley are also appointed OBEs.
Comedian Bill Bailey, actor Sally Lindsay and children's TV star Paul Chuckle are made MBEs. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo becomes an MBE in recognition of her work as an actor, singer, producer, and author.
TV chef Marcus Wareing and Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer also received MBEs.
Women directed 8% of top 100 movies in 2025
The representation of women directors of the top films at the North American box office dropped significantly in 2025, according to the latest study from the University of Southern California (USC)’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.
WBD likely to reject Paramount's latest hostile bid
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is likely to reject Paramount Skydance's $108.4bn hostile bid, according to reports.
FACT and UK police warn illegal streamers
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) has contacted over a thousand individuals across the UK, warning them to immediately cease using illegal TV streaming services or face the risk of prosecution.
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UK actors vote to refuse being digitally scanned on set
Members of the UK performer union Equity working in film and TV have voted to refuse to be digitally scanned on set by a landslide 99.6%, in an effort to secure artificial intelligence protections.
Sky extends PGA Tour partnership until 2029
Sky and golf’s PGA Tour have agreed a four-year extension to their long-standing partnership in the UK and Ireland through to the end of 2029.
