The Royal Television Society (RTS) is launching a unique online course that will help to plug the TV skills gap and fast track careers.

Launching later this month (September), the RTS Mini MBA, a first in the industry, is aimed at media professionals who are focused on broadening their skillset and progressing their careers, as well as those in adjacent sectors who are seeking a thorough grounding in television and streaming media.  The new initiative, that is CPD accredited, follows a DCMS report, ‘Creative Industries Sector Vision’, that highlighted a vital gap in professional training in the media sector.

Made up of more than 80 hours of interactive learning and consisting of 24 carefully crafted modules with insights from over 100 industry leaders, the syllabus spans four main strands: Industry Context, Programme Making, Business Functions, and Future Outlook.

Featuring exclusive filmed interviews with more than 70 experts, webinars, high-profile case studies and practical assessments, participants will be able to learn on demand and at their own pace to fit in with their busy working lives.  They will explore and analyse core topics ranging from: how a programme is developed, commissioned and made, to how money flows within the TV industry, and how the UK TV landscape is likely to change over the next 5 to 10 years.

The wide-ranging course has been developed with contributions from inspirational industry leaders including Jane Turton, CEO, All3Media; Mike Fries, CEO, Liberty Global; Patrick Holland, Executive Chairman & CEO, Banijay UK; Sarah Rose, President of Channel 5 and UK Regional Lead, Paramount; Simon Pitts, Chief Executive Officer, STV Group; Zai Bennett, Chief Executive and Chief Creative Officer, BBC Studios; Amelia Brown, CEO, Fremantle UK; Stephen Lambert, CEO, Studio Lambert, All3Media; Ade Rawcliffe, Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion, ITV; Jon Thoday, Founder & MD, Avalon Entertainment Ltd; Evan Shapiro, Media Cartographer, Eshap; Dawn Airey, Chair, Barclay’s Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship; Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, BBC; and Tim Hincks, Co-CEO, Expectation. Working in roles ranging from TV Strategy, Finance and Business Affairs to Technology, Production and Distribution, their combined expertise provides an unprecedented operational overview of the fast-paced television and streaming media sector.

Theresa Wise, CEO of the Royal Television Society, said: “Education is a core pillar at the RTS and, through our bursary programme, we have been able to provide support to hundreds of individuals over the past ten years, who are now thriving in all aspects of the industry. However, there’s currently a gap in the UK for an in-depth professional higher education course covering the business side of the television industry. Thank you so much to the industry leaders who have generously provided their insights and time to contribute to this course. We are proud to have developed an invaluable and unprecedented new Mini MBA, which we hope will provide the next generation of leaders with the tools to succeed.”

Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media, said: “The business of television is fascinating. It is the intersection of commerce and creativity and has never been more important. It’s incredibly helpful to understand all facets of the industry, but in this fast-moving world it can be a challenge for people to gain a broad understanding while carrying out the day job.  Now, the next generation of leaders, from every background and corner of their business, can acquire valuable knowledge, expertise and practical skills, on the job to help fast track their careers, be more effective in their current roles, and ultimately benefit both themselves and the industry as a whole.”

Registrations will open in 2025. Initially, the RTS Mini MBA will be available to company employees. Past and present RTS bursary scholars can sign up free of charge.