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.
Andrew Llinares to step down as Fremantle’s Director of Global Entertainment
Andrew Llinares is to step down this spring from his position as Director of Global Entertainment at global producer and distributor Fremantle.
HBO Max to launch in UK and Ireland on March 26
Warner Bros. Discovery is to launch its streaming service HBO Max in the UK and Ireland on 26 March 2026.
5G broadcast trials underway at Winter Olympics
Italian public service broadcaster Rai and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are conducting new 5G broadcast trials during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, which run from 6-22 February 2026.
Channel 4 unveils coverage plans for 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
Channel 4 has unveiled the plans for its coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Germany to require streamers to invest in local content
Germany is to introduce investment obligations for streaming platforms and TV broadcasters.



