Visionaries, Changemakers, The Network and TV PHD return

The TV Foundation has opened four career development programmes for applications, providing opportunities for talent at all levels of the industry.

Seeking rising stars, the Visionaries programme is a year long programme championing 25 creatives to develop their careers and give them the ability to turn their vision into real change in the industry. The 2026 participants will have exclusive sessions at Edinburgh TV Festival including pitching to Channel 4’s Random Acts as well as year-round events and individual coaching.

There will also be five ReConnect spaces on the Visionaries programme reserved for individuals returning to the TV industry.

Meanwhile, the TV PHD is returning for 2026 in partnership with Arts Humanities Research Council. Fifteen current AHRC funded PHD students with a passion for television will be given the opportunity to explore the ways their academic skills can add value to the TV industry. The final cohort will receive a free pass and accommodation for the 2026 Edinburgh TV Festival and have the opportunity to pitch their idea directly to TV producers.

Also opening applications today are Changemakers, the third edition of the climate leadership programme and The Network, an entry-level programme for people taking their first steps in the industry.

The deadlines for applications for Visionaries, Changemakers, The Network and TV PHD is Thursday 26 March.

The TV Foundation has supported more than 4,000 TV professionals through career development programmes since 1994.