Five lessons from Simon Albury to transform the TV industry

Five lessons from Simon Albury to transform the TV industry

Last Thursday I received a text that Simon Albury OBE had died. 

I was in the middle of a meeting discussing how to address racial diversity in the TV industry with some of the most senior Black and Asian people working in TV. We were all devastated. 

We all had both strong friendships and professional relationships with him that had stood the test of time. One of the people in the meeting suggested that we cancel the meeting, as so many of us were visibly shaken, and reconvene another day. Unanimously we thought that would be the wrong thing to do. It was not the way Simon operated. Working to make the industry a fairer and more equitable place for everyone was completely appropriate and the best thing I think we could have done. 

He was a giant in the world of television EDI. A friend to most and feared by others. I was once told by an employee of a major broadcaster that they had included a picture of Simon in the middle of a PowerPoint presentation on a new diversity policy, with the question ​“What will Simon think of this new strategy?” 

Over the last few days, I have been thinking long and hard about how, and what, I could write about a legend that has meant so much to so many people. I’ve either veered between writing a simple obituary, outlining his numerous achievements (of which Broadcast, Deadline and other trade papers have already done brilliantly), or writing something so personal about my own relationship with the man that every draft felt too self-centered. 

Instead, I have opted to list just five of the lessons that I think Simon Albury left us in how to make the TV industry a better place for everyone: 

Lesson 1: believe change can happen

Simon believed the industry could change for the better. He was not ​“going through the motions” when it came to tackling the structural issues the sector faces. This may have been due to his success in changing government policy in 1989 over the selling of ITV franchises, but whatever the reason, he saw the big picture and fought for change, fully believing better diversity and inclusion was within our grasp. 

Lesson 2: separate friendship from professional relationships

Simon’s contact list of senior industry figures in the industry and politicians was legendary, and many of us considered him as a close and genuine friend. However, we also knew that our friendships would not protect us from Simon constructively criticising us in our professional lives. He might have invited us to one of his famous parties, but he was able to separate his friendships from our professional positions by holding us accountable for our actions. 

Lesson 3: think strategically

Simon was one of the best strategic thinkers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He understood the TV industry better than almost anyone else, and like a master chess place would think several moves ahead when working out how to achieve change. Many a time I would see him ask a TV Executive a ​“random” question in a public forum, only to find out it was to get their position on the record for use nine months or a year later. 

Lesson four: speak truth to power in public

It is a cliché, but Simon genuinely spoke truth to power. But more importantly he often spoke truth to power in public. This would often give other people the strength and permission to raise difficult issues, and it often changed the discourse of the debate. 

Lesson five: be kind

We work in an industry that is often ruthless and behind the smiles cutthroat. Simon was kind. He always had a smile. found time for people who wanted to talk to him, and he treated people with respect and kindness. If we are trying to create a more equitable sector, we must embody, in our actions the kind of industry we want to work in. Simon did this. 

Simon Albury’s legacy in the TV industry

I am sure other people who knew Simon will have other ​“lessons” that they may want to share. Lastly, after his death I discovered that he financially donated to the Film and TV Charity, of which I am now CEO. I believe that the best tribute we can pay him is to continue to find ways to make the industry better for everyone. Which is precisely why we did not stop our diversity meeting when we heard about his death. 

Simon Albury is irreplaceable but the lessons he gave us will live on.