Royal Television Society

The group was formed as the Television Society on 7 September 1927, a time when television was still in its experimental stage. Regular high-definition (then defined as at least 200 lines) broadcasts did not even begin for another nine years until the BBC began its transmissions from Alexandra Palace in 1936. In addition to serving as a forum for scientists and engineers, the society published regular newsletters charting the development of the new medium. These documents now form important historical records of the early history of television broadcasting. The society was granted its Royal title in 1966. The Prince of Wales became patron of the Society in November 1997. ==Activities==

The society regularly holds meetings and seminars, attended by members of the public and professionals from various areas of the television industry, and it also publishes the monthly magazine Television, covering a broad range of television topics. Major events held by the RTS include the biennial RTS Cambridge Convention, a three-day event held at King's College, Cambridge. The convention, chaired by one of the UK's major broadcasters, brings together influential figures from the television industry for a series of stimulating talks. The RTS also hosts "Anatomy of a Hit" events, which gather together the writers, cast and commissioner of some of Britain's most successful TV shows to discuss their qualities. Recent programmes discussed have included Sherlock, Doctor Who, National Awards • RTS Programme Awards • RTS Craft & Design Awards • RTS Television Journalism Awards • RTS Student Television Awards, in addition to regional student awards shown in next section • RTS Young Technologist Awards, given to those seen as potential future leaders in broadcasting technology • RTS Pilgrim Awards, acknowledging the outstanding work of RTS volunteers Regional Awards ==RTS Futures==

RTS Futures was launched in 2007 to help people in the early stages of their television careers. RTS Futures offers the opportunity to meet with senior industry professionals, such as series producers and commissioners, as well as their peers in the television industry. RTS Futures hosts a wide range of talks and training sessions aimed at helping young people progress in the business. Recent events have included How to be the Best Researcher and the RTS Futures Entry Level Training Fair. ==Presidents of the Society==

There have been 19 presidents of the Society, from its founding in 1927 through to 2016; since October 2016, the position has been left vacant. ==Notes==