Theresa Wise, the long-serving CEO of the Royal Television Society (RTS), will retire in 2026.
She has been in charge of the influential British TV organisation for well over a decade. “After almost 13 unforgettable years as CEO of the Royal Television Society, I have made the decision to retire from full time work,” said Wise.
A process to find her successor has begun for Wise, who is known as a staunch champion of the RTS’s work and for its place in British broadcasting.
“The RTS is a unique and vital part of the UK’s world-leading television and streaming media landscape and I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved over the past few years,” said Wise. “Our educational programmes are stronger than ever, our members are very engaged, our events programme continues to set the gold standard across the industry, the national and regional centres are thriving and the team at the RTS is world class.”
All3Media CEO Jane Turton, who is Chair of the RTS, said: “Theresa has made a huge and lasting contribution to the RTS. Her dynamism, passion, and commitment have been amazing. It has been a pleasure working with her as she has grown and developed the Society, launching new initiatives like the Mini MBA, strengthening the Bursary Scheme and constantly innovating and delivering the highest quality across all of the RTS activities. On behalf of the Board and everyone at the RTS, I would like to thank Theresa for a brilliant contribution to the Society.”
News of Wise’s exit comes in a dramatic week for British TV following the scandal over a doctored Donald Trump speech that led to the exits of BBC Director General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness.
With Channel 4 also seeking a CEO, change is coming thick and fast in the UK.