Former Royal Television Society (RTS) Chief Executive, diversity campaigner and producer Simon Albury has passed away at the age of 80.
Albury headed the RTS from 2000-2012, and for the past 10 years chaired the Campaign for Broadcasting Equality, which promotes equality and diversity in broadcasting, television and film.
Credit: Paul Hampartsoumian
Albury’s TV roles include a spell as Director of Public Affairs at ITV company Meridian as well as the Head of the Campaign for Quality Television.
Albury started working in television in 1969 for Granada TV’s current affairs series World in Action, and went on to make programmes for the BBC such as 24 Hours and Man Alive as well as producing films on John Lennon, Andy Warhol and David Hockney. He rejoined Granada in 1974.
He was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting in 2019.
Theresa Wise, Chief Executive of the RTS, said: “Simon was a huge personality and inhabited the RTS role with an inimitable style and charm. He will be very much missed by the RTS family.”
Marcus Ryder, CEO of The Film and TV Charity, described him as an industry trailblazer: “As CEO of the RTS Simon supported creatives from diverse backgrounds, and as the Chair of the Campaign for Broadcast Equality, he spoke truth to power. Most of all he believed real change was possible and supported those who were fighting to make a difference. He was a donor to the Film and TV Charity and a huge supporter of our work. He will be much missed.”
Actress, presenter and broadcaster Baroness Floella Benjamin said: “So sad to hear my dear Simon Albury has passed away. He was a great champion and advocate for #DiversityAndInclusion He did it with passion and vigour, whose support you could always rely on. His legacy will be remembered. May he #RIP”
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
Netflix withdraws from race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery
Netflix has withdrawn from the race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, leaving the way clear for Paramount Skydance to win the months-long battle for the historic Hollywood studio.
Avatar: Fire and Ash leads at Visual Effects Society awards
Avatar: Fire and Ash was the big winner at the Visual Effects Society’s 24th Annual VES Awards, taking home seven awards in total, including the top prize of Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature.
UK set to enhance regulation of major streamers such as Netflix and Disney+
The UK's biggest video-on-demand services will have to follow the same content and accessibility rules as traditional broadcasters, under new government legislation.
Charity publishes set of principles for mentally healthy productions
The Film and TV Charity has unveiled its new ‘Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions’ to help address systemic pressures and poor working practices across the UK screen sector, aiming to improve culture and conditions on productions.
Warner Bros Discovery and BBC report strong Winter Olympics viewing
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and the BBC have both reported strong viewership results for their coverage of the Olympic Winter Games for Milano-Cortina 2026.
.jpg)
