David Lyle Foundation launches

The David Lyle Foundation, set up to help young executives develop meaningful careers in the international TV business, has opened its application process for its first scholarship programme, to run in 2020.

David Lyle

The not-for-profit organisation launched earlier this year in memory of Lyle, the much-loved and respected entertainment industry executive who died in 2017 and was a mentor to many in the industry globally during his 40-year career.

The first scholarship programme will run throughout 2020 and will see scholarships worth US$10,000 given to two young people. Full details can be found on the foundation website davidlylefoundation.org.

The foundation embodies the principles of its ‘patron saint’ Lyle, who dedicated much of his time to supporting creativity, opportunity and career development.

Each scholarship includes VIP access to the leading international markets and festivals, a mentor programme and a suite of complimentary subscriptions to leading trade publications and organisation services. It also includes US$5,000 towards flights, hotels and expenses.

The scholarships are designed to allow two fledgling executives to travel to key markets and festivals worldwide to build their knowledge of the global business, supported by an advisory board of key executives in the sector.

Cheryl Clarke

Cheryl Clarke has been appointed president of the David Lyle Foundation and will lead the initiative, supported by an advisory board of international content industry executives.

Clarke said: “We aim to recognise and inspire next-generation leadership and to support those who want to make a positive difference in the sector. Crucially, the foundation is for people who share the values of namesake David Lyle, remarkable people who reflect these values and aspirations of a creative executive of the future.”

David Lyle started his career at Australia’s ABC, Ten and Nine networks before moving to Pearson TV as head of worldwide development in 1999. He co-founded Frapa (the formats rights and protection agency) in the same year, and later became president of entertainment for FremantleMedia North America. He launched Fox Reality in 2005 and Fox Look in 2010. He became CEO of National Geographic Channels in 2011 and served as inaugural president of PactUS prior to its 2017 merger with the Nonfiction Producers Association to become NPACT.

The foundation is supported by Lyle’s wife, Janne Dennehy, and The David Lyle Estate. Founding partners, all of which will provide financial and operational support to the foundation, include Broadcast, C21Media, the Edinburgh Television Festival, EMC, Frapa, Realscreen, NPACT, Pact, Natpe, TBI and Mip.

“David would be thrilled to see the level of support 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,” said Dennehy.

Further partners will be added during the coming months. For more information on how you can support the David Lyle Foundation, please email [email protected].