Lewis was vociferous in campaigning on behalf of freelancers during the pandemic.

The campaigning journalist and consumer rights champion will be the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award at the Edinburgh TV Festival.

Lewis is the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com and presenter of ITV’s The Martin Lewis Money Show, the most watched current affairs show in the UK.

Following his campaigning during Covid (much of it on behalf of freelancers), the Economist called him “the most influential man in British politics”.

Rowan Woods, creative director, Edinburgh TV Festival and Harjeet Chhokar, advisory chair, Edinburgh TV Festival, said in a joint statement: “Martin Lewis’s impact on the social, economic and political landscape over the past number of years cannot be overstated.

“He’s a hugely popular and trusted figure on TV, a fearless campaigner – especially on behalf of freelancers during the pandemic – and a fierce champion of consumer rights.

“In a year when the Festival is thinking about the plight of freelancers, the intersection of class and money, and the ways that television can hold power to account, we couldn’t think of a more fitting recipient of this award.” –

Claudia Winkleman and Diane Morgan are previous winners of the Outstanding Achievement Award.

A version of this article first appeared on our sister site, Broadcast.