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.
RTS reveals Technology Awards 2026 winners
Evan Shapiro, ITN’s Jon Roberts, and On Air 2025 were among the winners of the RTS Technology Awards 2026.
France Télévisions and TDF test 5G broadcast of Diagonale des Fous
For the mountain ultramarathon Diagonale des Fous, TDF has rolled out a 5G broadcast trial in partnership with France Télévisions, Antenne Réunion, and Web TV Grand Raid.
CNN and Financial Times sign AI deal with Google
CNN has signed a strategic multi-year partnership with Google, which will see the organisation provide enhanced content rights for Google’s generative AI news product pilots.
150 students take over On Air 2026’s five-channel broadcast
On Air 2026 will see 150 students take charge of the Media Talent Manifesto (MTM) broadcast’s 24-hour culture, news, sport, film, and kids channels on 22–23 October 2026.
IBC calls for Challenge submissions for 2027 Accelerators
IBC has launched the official call for Challenge submissions for its 2027 Accelerator Media Innovation Programme.

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