Tributes Flood In For Former RTS CEO Simon Albury: “An Absolutely Huge Personality”

deadline.com:

Tributes have been flooding in for Simon Albury, the UK TV diversity campaigner who ran the Royal Television Society (RTS) for 12 years.

The larger-than-life personality died last week aged 80 after suffering from debilitating health conditions. Figures from the sector have been quick in registering their tributes to a popular, tireless campaigner, who was a regular at industry events.

Speaking to Deadline this morning, RTS CEO Theresa Wise described Albury, who ran the society from 2000 to 2012, as an “absolutely huge personality.” “Personally he touched a lot of people,” she told us. “Many people will say that he helped them in their careers, he was very interested in people and would always look to support them.” Albury, who was known for his distinctive red glasses and sharp attire, kicked off a decorated, 50-year-long career making current affairs and music shows for the BBC and ITV, while he also founded ITV’s Meridian.

He ran the RTS for 12 years, driving the society forwards during a time of change for the industry. Wise said he will be remembered for expanding the RTS London and Cambridge Conventions and launching the RTS Futures program.