Viacom International Media Networks Named Principal Sponsor of RTS London Conference 2018
May 9, 2018
The Royal Television Society today announced that Bob Bakish, Chief Executive Officer of Viacom Inc., will deliver the International Keynote at the RTS London Conference 2018 on Tuesday 18 September 2018 at Kings Place. As leader of one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, Bakish will share his views on global media trends, how Viacom is capitalising on shifts in consumer, technological and market dynamics, and his expectations for the future.
“We are delighted to welcome Bob Bakish as our opening keynote. He is one of the most important global media leaders of the time, whose company is at the vanguard of so much exciting innovation and changing market dynamics. He is set to be a fascinating speaker amongst a stellar line-up,” said Theresa Wise, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Television Society.
The RTS London Conference 2018 is sponsored for the first time by Viacom International Media Networks, and co-chaired this year by David Lynn, President Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and James Currell, President, VIMN, UK, Northern and Eastern Europe.
The biennial one-day conference – as yet untitled – will explore the accelerating pace of consolidation across global media sectors and how this drive for scale is impacting the commissioning and production landscape. Global leaders will gather to discuss the future evolution of television both in the UK and internationally. With giant technology companies pushing deeper into video and threatening a further wave of disruption, where does this leave the traditional media majors, the UK PSBs and production companies, both big and small? How are issues around trust and competition being addressed by organisations and by regulators? And what will be the outcomes for viewers?
“This is such a fascinating and invigorating time for everyone involved in the production and distribution of video content, with compelling evidence audiences are more engaged than ever before but with intensifying competition for their attention,” commented Lynn. “The RTS remains the premier forum for debate about the change impacting the UK broadcast industry and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to shape what is already looking like a very exciting conference agenda in 2018.”
High profile speakers already confirmed include: Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC; Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of ITV; Alex Mahon, Chief Executive of Channel 4 and Sharon White, Chief Executive of Ofcom – with more to come.
An early bird rate of £360 excluding VAT is available for the first 75 bookings.