Who’s Watching?
The RTS NI Dan Gilbert Lecture

As audiences change how and where they watch, what does it take to make something that cuts through?

Broadcast journalist Marian McHugh interviews Fiona Campbell and Richard Williams for this year’s RTS NI Dan Gilbert Lecture, exploring the future of content and the opportunities ahead for Northern Ireland’s screen industry.

From television and streaming to creator-led platforms, they’ll discuss changing audience habits, backing talent and taking creative risks. How can distinctive local stories reach global audiences, and what will the next generation of screen talent need to succeed?

As Richard prepares to retire from Northern Ireland Screen this year, the conversation will also reflect on the industry’s growth during his tenure and his hopes for its next chapter.

About Dan Gilbert

Dan Gilbert joined the BBC News Department in 1950, working there for over 10 years, before taking over the responsibility for all Radio Current Affairs coverage in 1968 just as the “Troubles” began. By 1974, he was promoted to Editor of Radio Current Affairs in BBC NI and in 1981 he set up the first training department outside on London in Northern Ireland and was responsible for all training except engineering. Formally retiring from the BBC in 1987, he continued to freelance, organising and running broadcasting courses internationally in both radio and television for the British Council and the British Forces Broadcasting.

Dan was also a lecturer in journalism and broadcasting, a moderator and assessor for City & Guilds of London, founding member of the Radio Academy and Chairman of the Training Committee. In 1995, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Radio Academy in recognition of his service to radio. He was a member of the Royal Television Society and served on the Northern Ireland Committee, the Board of the Northern Ireland Film Council and Chairman of the Training Committee. Dan died in January 1996.

The Royal Television Society in Northern Ireland is grateful to Dan’s family’s support of the Dan Gilbert Memorial Lecture.