Stream One
Industry Context

Explore the structure, landscape and key components of the UK TV sector.

Ready to get started?
RTS members receive a 10% discount

Stream One
Industry Context

Explore the structure, landscape and key components of the UK TV sector.

Ready to get started?

RTS members receive a 10% discount
Stream One: Industry Context - 8 Modules
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Explore the topics in each module:


Module 1

Ecology of Television

Set the context for the entire course with a big picture overview of the industry.
The 'ecology' covers who does what, how value flows, and how the different players connect.

Key topics include:

  • High-level overview of the TV ecosystem 
  • Sizing the UK Media Universe with Evan Shapiro
  • Breakdown of the key components of the UK television and streaming industry 
  • The structure and role of each area
  • How value is generated and flows through the system
  • How all the different players connect to enable the sector to operate
Write your awesome label here.
"What stood out to me is the place of UK programmes around the world. It shows how local productions can become global"

Production Services Executive | Spirit Entertainment
"It’s fascinating to see how many industries are encompassed and utilised within the TV ecosystem" 


Production Coordinator | Two Brothers Pictures Limited
"I really enjoyed the infographic – it made the complexity of the UK TV ecosystem feel clear and navigable"

Head of Audience, Consumer & Market Insight | Fremantle

Module 2

Business Models

Business models shape how content is financed, distributed and monetised. Explore the models of key players within the ecosystem and understand how they drive strategic decisions.

Key topics include:

  • Analysis of B2B and B2C business models; industry leaders share how their organisations generate revenue
  • TV advertising models, sponsorship and partnerships and the evolution of subscription and licensing strategies
  • Transferable business frameworks and principles, through the lens of TV and streaming media
  • Changing macro-economics and business model resilience
  • Case study: The evolution of Sky's business model



Write your awesome label here.
"An incredibly in-depth module that has left me with lots of food for thought!"
 Production Executive | Synchronicity
"I found the advertising section both fascinating & terrifying"

Head of Finance | All3Media
"The Love Island case study was particularly useful in regard to product placement"

Head of Production | Peanut & Crumb

Module 3

Policy & Regulation

This module explores the rules, frameworks and levers that shape how
the UK television industry operates.

Key topics include:

  • Crucial role of policy and regulation within the industry
  • From the Communications Act 2003 to the Media Act 2024, we unpack the key legislation that governs content, competition and compliance - examining how policy and regulation can be both market-shaping and market-making
  • Meet key regulators, like Ofcom, and examine their role
  • Case study: Channel 4


Write your awesome label here.
"The broader understanding of how regulation shapes the ecosystem in which we operate feels directly relevant"
Talent Acquisition Specialist | i2c
"Fascinating to learn about the Comms Act 2003 and the Media Act 2024"

Head of Finance | Two Rivers Media
“I’m surprised at how influential and forward thinking many of the acts were, which has allowed the UK to become a global powerhouse”

Producer/Director | Silverback Films

Module 4

UK PSBs

Explore public service broadcasting in the UK;
its role, how it operates and its strategic vale to the broader TV landscape.

Key topics include:

  • The UK’s unique PSB landscape
  • How each PSB operates; legal frameworks, public service obligations and funding models
  • International PSBs
  • Key opportunities and challenges, including the issue of prominence in a digital landscape
  • BVOD services and the commercial studios driving growth
  • Case study: Trusted and authenticated news

Write your awesome label here.
 "It's highlighted how important the PSBs are to the wider production industry in the UK"

Group Financial Controller | Two Circles
"Helped me properly understand what public service broadcasting is"

Business Development Consultant | Moorepay
"A great transition into the indie sector - I'm really looking forward to what comes next!"

Audio Visual Technician | Barton Peveril Sixth Form College

Module 5

UK Indie Sector

Explore the evolution of the UK indie sector to become one of the most successful and influential production ecosystems in the world, and understand how it operates today.

Key topics include:

  • The origins of the indie sector and the impact of the 2003 Communications Act
  • Terms of Trade and the shift in IP ownership
  • The rise of super-indies and global production groups
  • The role of PACT and industry lobbying
  • How indies finance development and manage risk
  • The relationship between producers, commissioners and distributors
  • Consolidation and international expansion
  • Case study: Industry leaders discuss the indie sector 
Write your awesome label here.
“What really stood out to me was how much of the indie sector has been shaped by legislation rather than just creativity" 

Group Head of Press and Corporate Comms | Little Dot
“A great overview of the indie sector and what is involved in setting up and running an indie”

Audio Visual Technician | Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
 “A well rounded, educated view on what it means to be an indie, how they run and most importantly how they contribute to the TV ecosphere”

Camera Operator | Hampshire Cricket

Module 6

Audience Insights

Understand the role of audience insights within the industry. Learn to interpret audience data confidently and apply it to real commercial decision-making.

Key topics include:

  • The role of audience insight teams within broadcasters, streamers and production companies
  • The sources, management and interpretation of industry data
  • BARB as the UK’s industry benchmark and how its data underpins measurement of viewing behaviour
  • A practical look at overnights data
  • The statistical principles behind audience analysis
  • The distinctive features of digital and streaming data
  • How viewers are defined through demographic, behavioural and attitudinal profiling
  • How insights shape content strategy, programming investments, advertising and scheduling decisions
  • Case study: Gen Z as a key audience demographic

Write your awesome label here.
“I completely underestimated this hugely important part of the business”

Global Formats & Development Consultancy | Freelance
“I didn’t know the BARB collection methodology or how robust the data is”

Series Editor & Creative | BBC
“Fascinating to learn how data is collected, analysed and used to shape content”

Senior Manager | Acorn Media International

Module 7

Sport on TV

This module explores the innovative and highly influential business of sports broadcasting,
which occupies a unique position within the TV ecosystem. 


Key topics include:

  • The evolution of sports broadcasting and its importance to television
  • Why live sport remains such a valuable asset for broadcasters and platforms
  • The economics and strategic importance of sports rights deals
  • The technological innovations driven by sports broadcasting
  • The rise of women’s sport on television
  • New formats and storytelling opportunities, including sports documentaries
  • How leagues, governing bodies and broadcasters/platforms are reshaping the future of sports media
  • Case study: Negotiating Premiership Football Rights

Write your awesome label here.
“As someone who works in drama and rarely watches sport, I was a bit wary about this module. However, I found the business and cultural insights into sports on TV fascinating.” 

Senior Manager | Independent Production
“The growth in women’s sport on TV was particularly interesting"

Legal and Business Affairs Executive | Studio Lambert 
“I really enjoyed David Kogan’s behind-the-scenes stories of how the bidding process worked, and his insights on the future of sport on TV”
Series Editor & Creative | BBC

Module 8

International Overview

Explore how global TV markets differ, where the opportunities lie, and how companies assess risk,
build partnerships and develop strategies for entering international markets.

Key topics include:

  • Appreciate the growing importance of international co-productions and distribution deals
  • Explore the global socio-economic landscape - understand how different markets operate
  • Analyse the opportunities and challenges in international markets
  • Learn how to assess risk and develop business strategies for entering international markets
  • Case study: Entering international markets with Jane Turton

Write your awesome label here.
“The standout is how absolutely critical international deals are to production companies”

Executive Producer | North One 
“The importance of local partners and specialist advisors really stood out”

Group Head of Press and Corporate Comms | Little Dot 
“I’ve loved the opportunity to dive deeper into the ecosystems and market considerations of each country. It’s extremely useful to understand why certain programmes translate more easily to different markets” 

SVP Insight | All3Media 
The foundations of the UK TV industry
Stream One: 8 individual modules

Scroll to explore an overview of each module:


Module 1

Ecology of Television

Set the context for the course with an overview of the entire industry.
The 'ecology' covers who does what, how the different players connect and how value flows.

Key topics include:

  • High-level overview of the TV ecosystem 
  • Sizing the UK Media Universe with Evan Shapiro
  • Breakdown of the key components of the UK television and streaming industry 
  • The structure and role of each area
  • How value is generated and flows through the system
  • How all the different players connect to enable the sector to operate
Watch the intro video
Write your awesome label here.
"What stood out to me is the place of UK programmes around the world. It shows how local productions can become global"

Production Services Executive | Spirit Entertainment
"It was fascinating to see how many industries are encompassed and utilised within the TV ecosystem" 

Production Coordinator | Two Brothers Pictures Limited
"I really enjoyed the infographic, it made the complexity of the UK TV ecosystem feel clear and navigable"

Head of Audience, Consumer & Market Insight | Fremantle

Module 2

Business Models

Business models shape how content is financed, distributed and monetised. Explore the models of key players within the ecosystem and understand how they drive strategic decisions.

Key topics include:

  • Analysis of B2B and B2C business models; leaders share how their organisations generate revenue
  • TV advertising models, sponsorship and partnerships; subscription and licensing strategies
  • Transferable business frameworks and principles, through the lens of TV and streaming media
  • Changing macro-economics and business model resilience
  • Case study: The evolution of Sky's business model


Watch the intro video
Write your awesome label here.
"An incredibly in-depth module that has left me with lots of food for thought!"

 Production Executive | Synchronicity
"I found the advertising section both fascinating & terrifying"

Head of Finance | All3Media
"The Love Island case study was particularly useful in regard to product placement"

Head of Production | Peanut & Crumb

Module 3

Policy & Regulation

This module explores the rules, frameworks and levers that shape how
the UK television industry operates.

Key topics include:

  • The crucial role that policy and regulation plays within the industry
  • From the Communications Act 2003 to the Media Act 2024, we unpack the key legislation that governs content, competition and compliance
  • Examine how policy and regulation can be both market-shaping and market-making
  • Meet key regulators, like Ofcom
  • Case study: Channel 4
Watch the intro video
Write your awesome label here.
"The broader understanding of how regulation shapes the ecosystem in which we operate feels directly relevant"

Talent Acquisition Specialist | i2c
"Fascinating to learn about the Comms Act 2003 and the Media Act 2024"

Head of Finance | Two Rivers Media
“I’m surprised at how influential and forward thinking many of the acts were, which has allowed the UK to become a global powerhouse”

Producer/Director | Silverback Films

Module 4

UK PSBs

Explore public service broadcasting in the UK;
its role, how it operates and its strategic vale to the broader TV landscape.

Key topics include:

  • The UK’s unique PSB landscape
  • How each PSB operates; legal frameworks, public service obligations and funding models
  • Key opportunities and challenges, including the issue of prominence in a digital landscape
  • International PSBs
  • BVOD services and the commercial studios driving growth
  • Case study: Trusted and authenticated news
 Watch the Intro video
Write your awesome label here.
 "It's highlighted how important the PSBs are to the wider production industry in the UK"
Group Financial Controller | Two Circles
"Helped me properly understand what public service broadcasting is"
Business Development Consultant | Moorepay
"A great transition into the indie sector - I'm really looking forward to what comes next!"

Audio Visual Technician | Barton Peveril Sixth Form College

Module 5

UK Indie Sector

Explore the evolution of the UK indie sector to become one of the most successful and influential production ecosystems in the world, and understand how it operates today.

Key topics include:

  • The origins of the indie sector and the impact of the 2003 Communications Act
  • Terms of Trade and the shift in IP ownership
  • Rise of super-indies and global production groups
  • The role of PACT and industry lobbyingHow indies finance development and manage risk
  • The relationship between producers, commissioners and distributors
  • Consolidation and international expansion
  • Case study: Industry leaders discuss the indie sector 
Watch the intro video
Write your awesome label here.
“What really stood out to me was how much of the indie sector has been shaped by legislation rather than just creativity" 
Group Head of Press and Corporate Comms | Little Dot
“A great overview of the indie sector and what is involved in setting up and running an indie”

Audio Visual Technician | Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
 “A well rounded, educated view on what it means to be an indie, how they run and most importantly how they contribute to the TV ecosphere”

Camera Operator | Hampshire Cricket

Module 6

Audience Insights

Understand the role of audience insights within the industry. Learn to interpret audience data confidently and apply it to real commercial decision-making.

Key topics include:

  • Sources of audience insight and its role
  • BARB as the UK’s industry benchmark 
  • A practical look at overnights data
  • The statistical principles behind audience analysis
  • The distinctive features of digital and streaming data
  • How viewers are defined through demographic, behavioural and attitudinal profiling
  • How insights shape content strategy, programming investments, advertising and scheduling decisions
  • Case study: Gen Z as a key audience demographic
Watch the Intro video
Write your awesome label here.
“I completely underestimated this hugely important part of the business”

Global Formats & Development Consultancy | Freelance
“I didn’t know the BARB collection methodology or how robust the data is”

Series Editor & Creative | BBC
“Fascinating to learn how data is collected, analysed and used to shape content”

Senior Manager | Acorn Media International

Module 7

Sport on TV

This module explores the innovative and highly influential business of sports broadcasting,
which occupies a unique position within the TV ecosystem. 


Key topics include:

  • The evolution of sports broadcasting 
  • Why sport is such a valuable asset 
  • Strategy and economics of sports rights deals
  • Technological innovations driven by sport
  • The rise of women’s sport on television
  • New formats and storytelling opportunities
  • How leagues, governing bodies and broadcasters /  platforms are reshaping the future of sports media
  • Case study: Negotiating Premiership football rights
Watch the Intro video
Write your awesome label here.
“I found the business and cultural insights into sports on TV fascinating” 
Senior Manager | Independent Production
“The growth in women’s sport on TV was particularly interesting"

Legal and Business Affairs Executive | Studio Lambert 
“I really enjoyed David Kogan’s behind-the-scenes stories of how the bidding process worked, and his insights on the future of sport on TV”

Series Editor & Creative | BBC

Module 8

International Overview

Explore how global TV markets differ, where the opportunities lie, and how companies assess risk,
build partnerships and develop strategies for entering international markets.

Key topics include:

  • Appreciate the growing importance of international co-productions and distribution deals
  • Explore the global socio-economic landscape - understand how different markets operate
  • Analyse the opportunities and challenges in international markets
  • Learn how to assess risk and develop business strategies for entering international markets
  • Case study: Entering international markets with Jane Turton
Watch the Intro video
Write your awesome label here.
“The standout is how absolutely critical international deals are to production companies”
Executive Producer | North One 
“The importance of local partners and specialist advisors really stood out”

Group Head of Press and Corporate Comms | Little Dot 
“I’ve loved the opportunity to dive deeper into the ecosystems and market considerations of each country” 

SVP Insight | All3Media 

Stream One case studies

Real-world relevance with high-profile business cases within the industry.

Love Island: Commercial opportunities & partnerships

Write your awesome label here.

ITV Advertising: Commercial revenue streams

Write your awesome label here.

The evolution of Sky’s business model with Nick Herm

Write your awesome label here.

Panel discussion: Leading the UK indie sector, with Amelia Brown, Tim Hincks and Jane Turton

Write your awesome label here.

How Premier League football rights are bought and sold

Write your awesome label here.

The strategy around entering international markets

Write your awesome label here.

End of Stream One learner feedback

"Really insightful. It's already given me confidence moving forward."

 Production Executive, Objective Media Group

"The breadth and depth of the content is fantastic; can't think of any 'real-life' experience I could try to jump into that would provide this without years of work!"

Client Account Lead Senior Manager, Accenture

“Fantastic course. Tons of content and knowledge, all delivered with compelling insight into today’s industry trends”  

Series Producer Director, BBC Studios 

“Brilliant, up-to-date insight with fascinating contributions from key industry figures”  

Unscripted Development Consultant, Media Makeover 

“I think it just goes into so much detail – I’m learning an awful lot” 

Series Editor & Creative, BBC 

“A really useful overview of how the TV business fits together. It's filled in many gaps, sharpened up things I half-knew, and given helpful context beyond the day-to-day of development.” 

Head of Development, Orchard Studios

Head of Development, Orchard Studios

“It’s been an incredibly enriching experience. Gaining an informed understanding of the tv industry’s entire ecosystem is extremely important for understanding why the industry operates the way it does."

Marketing Assistant, Retail Group

"Really insightful. It's already given me confidence moving forward."

 Production Executive | Objective Media Group

"The breadth and depth of the content is fantastic; can't think of any 'real-life' experience I could try to jump into that would provide this without years of work!"

Client Account Lead Senior Manager, Accenture

“Fantastic course. Tons of content and knowledge, all delivered with compelling insight into today’s industry trends”  

Series Producer Director, BBC Studios 

“Brilliant, up-to-date insight with fascinating contributions from key industry figures”  

Unscripted Development Consultant, Media Makeover 

“I think it just goes into so much detail – I’m learning an awful lot” 

Series Editor & Creative, BBC 

“A really useful overview of how the TV business fits together. It's filled in many gaps, sharpened up things I half-knew, and given helpful context beyond the day-to-day of development.” 

Head of Development, Orchard Studios

Head of Development, Orchard Studios

“It’s been an incredibly enriching experience. Gaining an informed understanding of the tv industry’s entire ecosystem is extremely important for understanding why the industry operates the way it does."

Marketing Assistant, Retail Group

Thanks to all the organisations who contributed to Stream One, including: