Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund Launches

The Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund, established in memory of the broadcaster who died earlier this year, has been launched.

The fund is backed by an appeal organised by the Media Society and the Royal Television Society, and will provide a scholarship initiative for young people from low income households, along with other associated activities, to support Mr Hewlett's legacy. It has been launched by Steve's three sons – Freddie, Billy and Bertie – in an interview with Eddie Mair. Prior to Hewlett's death, he had shared his experiences of cancer through a series of interviews with Mair on Radio Four's PM programme. It was through these interviews with Eddie that Steve did so much to explain and engage viewers with his terminal illness.

The Hewlett Scholarship will be presented each year to one recipient from a lower income family studying an undergraduate broadcast journalism course in the UK. The recipient will receive £2,000 per year for three years to fund their living expenses, as well as membership of the RTS and affiliate Hospital Club membership while studying. They will also receive mentoring from industry professionals to help them make the strongest possible start to their career.

Organisations and individuals already backing the initiative and committing funds to the appeal include the BBC, Brunel University, Channel Four, Directors Cut Films, Google UK, ITN, ITV, Sky News, The London Press Club, Women in Journalism, Alex Graham, the chairman of the Scott Trust and Peter Taylor OBE.

Steve Hewlett's sons, Bertie, Billy and Freddie, said: "We are so proud to launch this scholarship in dad's name. He knew about it before he died and was involved in the early planning of how it would operate and the young people from lower income families it will help into journalism."

Clive Jones, who chairs the appeal, added: "These scholarships will be a worthy memorial to a brilliant, inspirational journalist that so many of us were proud to work with and call a friend."

Theresa Wise, Chief Executive of the RTS, commented: "Steve was a vehement campaigner for improving access to the media industry for those with geographically diverse and low income backgrounds so the fund offers a great way to celebrate his life and support his legacy."

www.rts.org.uk/SteveHewlettFund

(JP/LM)