The UK’s Royal Television Society (RTS) has awarded six new fellowships for 2026.
Presented on 5 November 2026 at the annual RTS Patrons’ Dinner, the fellowships honour industry figures who have made an outstanding and long-lasting impact on UK television.
For 2026, the RTS has awarded fellowships to: Casting Director Shaheen Baig for launching careers, defining hits, and spotting Adolescence’s breakthrough star Owen Cooper amongst 600 audition tapes; Actor, Writer, and Presenter Sanjeev Bhaskar, who co-created, wrote, and fronted hit comedy shows including Goodness Gracious Me; and BBC News International Editor Jeremy Bowen, whose career as a foreign correspondent spans over four decades and more than 90 countries.
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Fellowships were also awarded to former BBC and S4C Chair Dame Elan Closs Stephens for leadership across UK broadcasting and pioneering role in building the TV industry in Wales and beyond; Film and TV Director Philippa Lowthorpe, whose credits include Three Girls and The Crown; Playwright and Screenwriter Lisa McGee who created hit comedy Derry Girls and the Netflix comedy-drama How to Get to Heaven From Belfast.
Also at this year’s dinner was Documentary Maker Stacey Dooley, as well as Sarah Henwood, CEO, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, to accept the fellowships they were both awarded in 2025.
Sophie Jones, CEO, Royal Television Society, said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate the many remarkable achievements of our new fellows last night. Whether creating treasured sitcoms, leading businesses, launching acting careers, or reporting on history as it unfolds, each one has been a true innovator in their field. As they continue to shape the future of television and inspire the next generation, we are proud to welcome them to the RTS fellowship.”
Evan Shapiro, ITN’s Jon Roberts, and On Air 2025 were among the winners of the recent RTS Technology Awards 2026. Discover more here.
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