David Lyle Foundation launches to aid young in TV

The David Lyle Foundation launched this weekend (6 April), a not-for-profit organisation designed to help young people develop careers in the entertainment business.

The initiative is launched in memory of David Lyle, the much-loved TV veteran, who had been a mentor to many in the industry during his 40-year career.

It aims to provide guidance and opportunity to individuals who show extraordinary talent, integrity and drive to work in the entertainment business.

Founding partners include TBI, Broadcast, C21Media, EMC, FRAPA, NATPE, NPact, Pact, Realscreen and Reed Midem. Further partners are soon to be announced.

Each year the partners will provide guidance, mentoring, financial support and access to their combined resources to two young recipients, who will each receive a scholarship that provides an annual program to connect them with the global business.

Support will be provided to travel to a variety of industry events to network and build contacts and to help understand the many opportunities at large in the content industry.

The two successful candidates will be chosen by The David Lyle Foundation’s board of advisors from submissions made by industry outlets, television schools and training organisations worldwide. Successful nominees will be mentored during the year by key executives on the board.

Submissions will be made through a website davidlylefoundation.org which will also provide information and resources to anyone interested in a career in the content business.

The foundation will unveil full plans in May 2019. Applications will open for the 2019 David Lyle Foundation Scholarship between June-August and will be assessed during September-October, with the scholarships granted in November for the first full program to run between January-December 2020.

The initiative is backed by Lyle’s wife, Janne Dennehy and The David Lyle Estate.

Dennehy said: “David would be thrilled to see the level of support that these fine organisations have given to the foundation that aims to continue on the Lyle tradition of mentorship in the global TV industry, to provide encouragement and opportunity to the young who demonstrate curiosity, who take initiative.

“To encourage and develop independent thinking, to maintain an adventurous outlook, to welcome and recognise success but to remain kind, inclusive and supportive of others post success.

“From my point of view I appreciate the support these organisations have shown David personally and professionally in health and sickness, in life generally and now, sadly, in death. I am thankful that they are joining together to help keep his legacy alive.”