RTS launches online Mini MBA to plug TV skills gap

Launching later this month, the RTS Mini MBA is aimed at media professionals who want to broaden their skills and progress their careers, as well as those in adjacent sectors seeking a grounding in television and streaming media.

The new initiative, which is CPD accredited, follows a DCMS report titled ‘Creative Industries Sector Vision’, that highlighted a vital gap in professional training in the media sector.

The RTS Mini MBA is made up of more than 80 hours of interactive learning and consists of 24 modules with insights from over 100 industry leaders, the syllabus spans four main strands: Industry Context, Programme Making, Business Functions, and Future Outlook.

It features filmed interviews with more than 70 experts, webinars, case studies and practical assessments.

Participants can explore and analyse 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 5-10 years.

The course has been developed with contributions from 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.

Theresa Wise, CEO of the RTS, said: “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.”

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.