Big Talk Productions’ CEO Kenton Allen Appointed As Chair Of The Awards As RTS Launches The RTS Programme Awards 2021

Kenton Allen, CEO, Big Talk Productions has joined as the new Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, and will guide the criteria for the awards ensuring it reflects the changing television landscape for what has been a challenging and unique year. 

New for the upcoming edition of the awards, the RTS has introduced the Comedy Entertainment category to celebrate panel or talent-led talk shows, humour-led variety or competition shows and clip shows.

The eligibility period will also now follow the calendar year and to fully transition to this pattern for 2022, this year’s entries will be accepted from programmes broadcast between 1 November 2019 and 31 December 2020.

The Royal Television Society (RTS), Britain’s leading forum for television and related media, has opened entries for the RTS Programme Awards 2021, in partnership with Audio Network. Taking place on Tuesday 16 March next year, the awards seek to recognise the extraordinary talent across all genres in British television. Kenton Allen, CEO, Big Talk Productions has joined as the new Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, and will guide the criteria for the awards ensuring it reflects the changing television landscape for what has been a challenging and unique year. 

New for the upcoming edition of the awards, the RTS has introduced the Comedy Entertainment category to celebrate panel or talent-led talk shows, humour-led variety or competition shows and clip shows. The eligibility period will also now follow the calendar year and to fully transition to this pattern for 2022, this year’s entries will be accepted from programmes broadcast between 1 November 2019 and 31 December 2020.

Chair of the Awards, Kenton Allen, said “The television industry has shown incredible innovation, adaptability and resilience in what has been a very challenging year. I am delighted to be working closely with the RTS team and chairing the 2021 Programme Awards, and look forward to celebrating the fantastic array of programming that we have all enjoyed over the past year.”

Theresa Wise, CEO of the Royal Television Society, said “This is a year when television was for many months our only window on the world – and it brought hours of helpful information, comfort, escapism and company.  I am delighted that the RTS recognises our industry talent in these awards.”

The awards highlight programmes and performances which have made a material and positive contribution worthy of acclaim by the industry and UK viewers in 30 categories across: Single Drama; Drama Series; Mini-Series; Soap and Continuing Drama; Writer – Drama; Scripted Comedy; Entertainment; Comedy Entertainment; Writer – Comedy; Actor (Female); Actor (Male); Entertainment Performance; Comedy Performance (Female); Comedy Performance (Male); Presenter; Breakthrough Award; History; Science and Natural History; Arts; Single Documentary; Documentary Series; Formatted Popular Factual; Daytime Programme; Children’s Programme; Live Event; Sports Programme; Sports Presenter, Commentator or Pundit; RTS Channel of the Year; Judges’ Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award.

The 2021 RTS Programme Awards will be presented on Tuesday 16 March 2021, with nominations being announced in early March. For more information on conditions of entry please visit RTS.

The RTS Programme Awards Categories

DRAMA

Single Drama

The single drama should be submitted in full and should be in one, complete and self-contained episode. 

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: The Left Behind (winner); Brexit: The Uncivil War; Doing Money

Drama Series

For returning drama series. Entries MUST be accompanied by full synopses of all other episodes in the series so that jurors can fully understand the context of the two episodes they view.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: Gentleman Jack (winner); The Capture; Ackley Bridge

Mini-Series

For single-run drama series that are not intended to return. Entries MUST be accompanied by full synopses of all other episodes in the series so that jurors can fully understand the context of the two episodes they view.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: The Long Song (winner); Chernobyl; Years and Years

Soap and Continuing Drama

For half hour or hour-long multi-unit entities running throughout the year with one or more episodes per week.  Three consecutive episodes should be submitted to demonstrate the soap’s consistency and continuing quality. Specials or late-night episodes should NOT be included. Jurors will give equal weight to their consideration of each episode.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: Casualty (winner); EastEnders; Coronation Street

Writer – Drama

Both original drama and adaptation can be entered. Single dramas should be submitted in full.  For series and serials, please submit one episode only.  Please include a shooting script with your online entry.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: Craig Mazin – Chernobyl (winner); Roy Williams – Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle; Neil Forsyth - Guilt

ENTERTAINMENT AND COMEDY

Scripted Comedy

For situation comedies, comedy dramas and sketch shows. Single programmes should be submitted in full.  For series and serials, please submit two episodes.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: Fleabag (winner); Stath Lets Flats; Derry Girls

Entertainment  

For formatted studio entertainment shows, competitive reality shows, quiz shows, game shows. Series (one episode only) and single programmes can be entered. Programmes should be submitted in full.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (winner); Love Island; Britain’s Got Talent

Comedy Entertainment  

For panel shows, talent-led talk shows, humour-led variety or competition shows and clip shows. Series (one episode only) and single programmes can be entered. Programmes should be submitted in full.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: N/A (new category in 2021)

Writer – Comedy

For single writers or writing partnerships. Series (one episode only) and single programmes can be entered. Programmes should be submitted in full.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag (winner); Laurie Nunn – Sex Education; Danny Brocklehurst - Brassic

PERFORMANCE

Actor (Female)

Please submit a single extract or a portfolio of items to a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes. This can include material from multiple episodes of the same series, but each actor can only be considered for a single programme title.    Please identify in the accompanying notes the actor being judged.

Up to five entries per channel.

2020 nominations: Tamara Lawrance – The Long Song (winner); Niamh Algar – The Virtues; Suranne Jones – Gentleman Jack

Actor (Male)

Please submit a single extract or a portfolio of items to a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes. This can include material from multiple episodes of the same series, but each actor can only be considered for a single programme title. Please identify in the accompanying notes the actor being judged.

Up to five entries per channel.

2020 nominations: Stephen Graham – The Virtues (winner); Jared Harris – Chernobyl; Micheal Ward – Top Boy

Entertainment Performance

For hosts, comperes and panellists performing as themselves in a pure entertainment format, eg. chat shows, panel shows and ‘shiny floor’ studio shows. Please submit a single extract or a portfolio of items to a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes. This can include material from multiple episodes of the same series, but each performer can only be considered for a single programme title.

Up to five entries per channel.

2020 nominations: London Hughes – Don’t Hate The Playaz (winner); Mo Gilligan – The Lateish Show With Mo Gilligan; Stephen Mulhern – In For A Penny

Comedy Performance (Female)

For female actors/performers in sitcom, comedy drama and sketch shows. Please submit a single extract or a portfolio of items to a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes. This can include material from multiple episodes of the same series, but each performer can only be considered for a single programme title.

Up to five entries per channel.

2020 nominations: Saoirse-Monica Jackson – Derry Girls (winner); Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag; Diane Morgan – Motherland

Comedy Performance (Male)

For male actors/performers in sitcom, comedy drama and sketch shows. Please submit a single extract or a portfolio of items to a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes. This can include material from multiple episodes of the same series, but each performer can only be considered for a single programme title.

Up to five entries per channel.

2020 nominations: Ncuti Gatwa – Sex Education (winner); Alex Murphy & Chris Walley – The Young Offenders; Youssef Kerkour – Home

PRESENTER

Presenter

For presenters (not performers in an entertainment show) in broadcast programmes, online and streamed services. Judges will focus on the ability to communicate with the viewer and, by doing so, add impact to the programme rather than reporting or interviewing techniques. Please submit a single extract or a portfolio of items to a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes. This can include material from multiple episodes of the same series, but each presenter can only be considered for a single programme title.  Sports presenters should be entered into the Sports Presenter, Commentator or Pundit category.

Up to five entries per channel.

2020 nominations: Mobeen Azhar – Hometown: A Killing (winner); Vicky McClure – Our Dementia Choir With Vicky McClure; Fred Brathwaite – A Fresh Guide To Florence With Fab 5 Freddy

BREAKTHROUGH AWARD

Breakthrough Award

For recognition of the emergence of a significant new on-screen talent.  Judges will consider the personal impact and the recognition of that impact during the awards year. There is no age limit and it may well be that the entrant has been a member of a successful team for several years but has only now achieved personal recognition. Please submit a single extract or a portfolio of items to a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes. This can include material from multiple episodes of the same series, but each entrant can only be considered for a single programme title.

Up to five entries per channel.

2020 nominations: Tanya Moodie – Motherland (winner); Aisling Bea – This Way Up; Tim Renkow – Jerk

FACTUAL

History

For series and single programmes about History, including, where appropriate, dramatic reconstruction of historical events. “Series” in this category does not refer to a programme strand (a collection of unrelated programmes grouped together under a generic title) but only to programmes conceived and transmitted as an entity, even though each separate programme may be complete in itself.  A single programme which is part of a broader strand may be entered as a single programme. New and recurring History formats should be entered into this category rather than Documentary or Formatted Popular Factual. An entire single programme or one episode of a series should be entered as representative of that series.  Programmes entered into this category may NOT be entered in another Factual category.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain (winner); Spotlight On The Troubles: A Secret History; The Last Survivors

Science and Natural History

For series and single programmes within the Science and Natural History genre.  “Series” in this category does not refer to a programme strand (a collection of unrelated programmes grouped together under a generic title) but only to programmes conceived and transmitted as an entity, even though each separate programme may be complete in itself.  A single programme which is part of a broader strand may be entered as a single programme. New and recurring Science and Natural History formats should be entered into this category rather than Documentary or Formatted Popular Factual. An entire single programme or one episode of a series should be entered as representative of that series.    Programmes entered into this category may NOT be entered in another Factual category.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: The Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A Miracle Cure? (winner); The Planets; 8 Days: To The Moon And Back

Arts

For series and single programmes within the Arts genre. “Series” in this category does not refer to a programme strand (a collection of unrelated programmes grouped together under a generic title) but only to programmes conceived and transmitted as an entity, even though each separate programme may be complete in itself.  A single programme which is part of a broader strand may be entered as a single programme.  New and recurring Arts formats should be entered into this category rather than Documentary or Formatted Popular Factual. An entire single programme or one episode of a series should be entered as representative of that series.   Programmes entered into this category may NOT be entered in another Factual category.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: Bros: After The Screaming Stops (winner); imagine… James Graham: In The Room Where It Happens; Superkids: Breaking Away From Care

Single Documentary

For programmes conceived as either as a single documentary or as a one-off programme that is part of a documentary strand. The programme must be submitted in full.  This category is aimed at documentaries of a general nature, including religious, business or other specialist journalism. History, Science & Natural History, and Arts programmes cannot be submitted in this category but should be entered in the specialist categories.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: War In The Blood (winner); Undercover: Inside China’s Digital Gulag; David Harewood: Psychosis And Me

Documentary Series

For a series which has a continuous narrative or is linked by a central theme. Two programmes representative of the series should be submitted.  Entries must be accompanied by a complete list of other programmes in the series within the Awards year. This category is aimed at documentaries of a general nature, including religious, business or other specialist journalism.  History, Science & Natural History and Arts programmes cannot be submitted in this category but should be entered in the specialist categories.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: The Choir: Our School By The Tower (winner); Hometown: A Killing; Crime And Punishment

Formatted Popular Factual                                                                                 

This category is for originality in developing and delivering constructed factual content aimed at the widest possible audience. It is likely, though not necessary, that such formatted factual shows will be pre-watershed. One episode of a series should be entered as representative of that format and series.  Subject matter could include – for instance – cookery, fashion, consumer, travel but also such shows as The Undateables, The Apprentice, SAS Who Dares Wins, Long Lost Family. Programmes entered into this category may NOT be entered into another Factual category. History, Science & Natural History and Arts programmes cannot be submitted in this category but should be entered in the specialist categories. 

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: The British Tribe Next Door (winner); The Circle; Celebrity Gogglebox

Daytime Programme

For the purposes of this Award, the RTS considers Daytime to run from 6.00am to 7.00pm. For programmes lasting longer than an hour, up to one hour of continuous programming (NOT edited highlights) should be submitted.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: The Repair Shop (winner); Good Morning Britain; Beat The Chef

CHILDREN’S

Children’s Programme

Series (one episode) and single programmes can be entered for children’s factual, entertainment, animation, drama and comedy programmes. Programmes must have been commissioned and produced specifically for the child audience and broadcast during children’s airtime or on a dedicated children’s channel.

Up to six entries per broadcaster, of which at least two must be produced by independent production companies.

2020 nominations: Zog (winner); The Athena; Step Up To The Plate

LIVE EVENT

Live Event

For network broadcast or streamed live events which are not sport. Entries should be a 30-minute compilation of coverage as transmitted, with a maximum of three extracts included.  If the event crosses multiple days, the extracts may come from more than one day. Each extract must be as transmitted and not re-edited for these awards.  Entries will be judged on the quality of the coverage, not on the importance or excitement of the event. The entry should reflect the full range of the coverage. The focus will be on the commentary, pictures and sound, what was shown or not shown, editing, packaging and presentation.

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: Stormzy At Glastonbury 2019 (winner); The Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance; The BRIT Awards 2019

SPORT

Sports Programme

The Award will recognise production and editorial values in live OB and actuality sports programming – event coverage (live and/or recorded), strand or individual programme. The entry should be either one continuous hour or an hour’s compilation of the coverage as transmitted but without editing to enhance for this submission. There can be a maximum of four extracts within the hour (a continuous clip which crosses an ad break is considered to be two extracts).  If the sporting event crosses multiple days, extracts may come from more than one day.  Each extract must be from the same programme and must be as transmitted and not specifically edited.  Credit will not be given for material sourced from a host broadcaster. 

Up to six entries per broadcaster.

2020 nominations: ICC Cricket World Cup Final (winner); 2019 Rugby World Cup; FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019

Sports Presenter, Commentator or Pundit

For the best work by a sports presenter or pundit/analyst either on location or in the studio, or a sports commentator on location. Please submit a single extract or a portfolio of items (this can include material from multiple episodes of the same series but each entrant can only be considered for a single programme title), to a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 15 minutes.  Each excerpt must be as transmitted and not specifically edited.  Only networked commentators are eligible. 

Up to five entries per channel.

2020 nominations: Alex Scott – 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (winner); Nasser Hussain – The Ashes; Gareth Thomas – 2019 Rugby World Cup

RTS CHANNEL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises outstanding performance by a single broadcast channel or wider streaming service based in the UK during the award year. The channel or service may be delivered on any or many platforms, be in linear or VOD in form, and be free-to-air, subscription or pay-per-view. The judges will require evidence of attractive, original and fresh content in a video showcase compilation of no less than 3 minutes and no more than 10 minutes. They will also consider such supporting evidence based on viewer and user research and impact during the year which the channel presents to support its claims of success. In short, the winner will be the channel which, in the opinion of the judges, catches the mood of the moment.

2020 nominations: Channel 5 (winner); BBC Three; Sky Atlantic

JUDGES’ AWARD

The Judges' Award recognises an outstanding contribution to the UK's television and media industry (excluding television journalism, which has its own Judges' Award). This award can also recognise outstanding achievements which do not fit neatly into the standard categories. The winner can be an individual or a group. The award is in the gift of the Chair of the Awards, advised by the category chairs and will focus primarily on impact in the criteria year. A separate award (Outstanding Achievement) recognises achievements over an extended period. This award is not aimed at on-screen personalities for their on-screen work and cannot be awarded posthumously. Broadcasters cannot make direct entries for this award but suggestions are always welcomed.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award may be presented at the discretion of the Chair of the Awards, advised by the category chairs, for an outstanding broadcaster for an on-screen or off-screen achievement over a number of years in a career which demonstrates excellence. This award cannot be awarded posthumously.  Broadcasters cannot make direct entries for this award but suggestions are always welcomed.

About The Royal Television Society
From glamorous award ceremonies to lively debates, the RTS embraces all aspects of television, and is open to anyone with an interest in the medium.

As an educational charity, we encourage and celebrate work in television and its related fields, from finding out how the nation’s favourite shows are made in our Anatomy of a Hit series, to celebrating burgeoning talent at our annual Student Awards.

The industry’s most talented individuals give us an insight into the work that goes into making cutting edge contemporary TV. From Government ministers and CEOs to workshops with great runners, our events look at every part of the business. 

Our annual Television Journalism, Programme, Craft and Design, and Student Awards celebrate achievements across the broadcasting industry. 

Each year, we offer Television Production and Technology bursaries to help those from less affluent backgrounds get a foothold in the industry, and Masterclass sessions bring together students, academics and industry heads.

Global television leaders gather to discuss what the future holds for television at our London Conference or the RTS Cambridge Convention.

Alongside our engaged community of over 5,000 full members, the Society is supported by Britain and the world's biggest broadcasters, producers and consultants, including Principal Patrons BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Sky.

Originally founded as the Television Society in 1927, the Society was granted its Royal title in 1966 and HRH The Prince of Wales became Patron of the RTS in 1997.

Today, 15 regional and national groups curate lively events and awards around the UK and Ireland, from Glasgow to Galway. 

RTS Futures, which is aimed at those in their first two years of employment, organises an exciting roster of discussion, training and social occasions. Recent events have included workshops on learning how to format shows and how to survive as a freelancer, and expert panels explaining how to be the best researcher and how to make it on-screen.

About Audio Network
Owned by eOne, Audio Network is a music company creating original, high-quality music for broadcasters, brands, creators and music fans everywhere. From Hollywood to YouTube, Coca-Cola to Vice, it has helped to tell some of the world’s most iconic stories.

With an expansive roster of 1,000+ renowned composers, respected singer-songwriters and known and emerging artists worldwide, Audio Network has 175,000+ wholly-owned tracks in its catalogue, spanning every imaginable genre and mood.