New RTS chief Sophie Jones sets out stall ahead of London convention

Sophie Jones has taken charge of the UK's Royal Television Society (RTS), succeeding Theresa Wise just three weeks before her first big test in the job.

Jones, a former Channel 4 corporate chief, spoke exclusively to Deadline ahead of hosting her first RTS Convention in September 2026. She had been appointed after serving as Chief Strategy Officer at the BPI, the UK music industry body, according to the RTS announcement. Wise retired as CEO.

Her message was direct. Television is a cultural and economic powerhouse in the UK, Jones said, and the RTS should do more to champion that value. There is a space, she said, for the Society to make sure that value is heard by people who influence television, including politicians and the media.

There are limits. The RTS cannot and will not be a campaigning organisation, Jones said. It will not take sides and will not have a view on issues like Israel-Palestine. Its role is to convene conversations.

That line follows a difficult episode for the Society. The RTS scrapped a special award for journalists in Gaza and then reversed the decision after industry pressure.

Attention now turns to the 2026 RTS Convention. It takes place on Tuesday 29 September 2026 at Kings Place in London, with registration from 08:30 and the opening at 09:00, according to the RTS programme. The convention is held every year and switches venue between London and Cambridge.

This year it is chaired by Amazon, with Tara Erer, UK and Northern Europe originals lead, serving as official chair. The theme is "United in Change".

The speaker list spans entertainment, drama and factual. Jeremy Clarkson will appear in conversation with his daughter Emily Clarkson, alongside talks from Graham Norton and Steven Knight. Music entrepreneur Tommas Arnby will appear in conversation with Jones herself, the RTS announced.