The most prestigious event celebrating the region’s television, media and creative industries will see familiar faces and production professionals gather for the Royal Television Society Awards on Tyneside in February next year.

The glittering ceremony and gala dinner, open to the public, will be hosted by popular North East comedian and screenwriter Jason Cook at the Hilton NewcastleGateshead on the evening of Saturday 24 February 2024 with tickets now on sale from the RTS North East & Border region website.

The awards promise to be one of the most exciting yet after a busy year for media production in the region. ‘Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes’ produced by ITV Signpost in Gateshead for BBC Two was one of several high-profile series enjoyed by viewers this year alongside CBBC’s ‘The Dumping Ground’ and ‘Scarlett’s Driving School’ making its debut on BBC One. Wearside provided the backdrop for ‘Charlotte in Sunderland’; a BBC Three 18-part series following reality TV star Charlotte Crosby in a whirlwind year.

Graeme Thompson, Chair of the RTS North East and Border Centre Awards committee, said; “As media production in the region continues to thrive with increasing numbers of programmes and commitments from broadcasters being made in the North, entries celebrate the rich diversity of media production in the region.

It promises to be a memorable evening as Jason Cook will once again host the awards for a record fifth year. His unique mix of humour, charm and passion for the region will ensure we’re in for another incredible night which is open to anyone.”

ITV’s North East based crime drama, Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn as Detective Vera Stanhope will be in the running for the coveted Best Drama award while teams from regional news programmes BBC Look North and ITV Tyne Tees & Border will compete in the Journalism category. Independent production companies, freelancers and students will also be set to celebrate success and recognition on the night.

Craft categories will recognise production excellence from post-production to cinematography and new categories of Newcomer, Comedy, Sport and the Craft Award have been added for this year. Students will also be in the running for recognition with entries from many of the region’s universities and colleges.

The RTS North East and Borders Centre awards welcome guests with a red-carpet, champagne reception followed by a four-course dinner followed by the ceremony hosted by Jason Cook and countless special celebrity guests.

More than 40 media professionals from broadcasters and production companies across the country were tasked with judging the entries submitted for the 2024 awards.

Corporate sponsorship spaces are available as well as individual and group tickets for the night. Anyone interested in taking part can find out more online at Royal Television Society