The ‘legendary’ creator of Coronation Street, Tony Warren MBE, is to receive a national achievement award at Salford International Media Festival in November this year.
Mr Warren is to be given the award in celebration and as recognition of the huge impact he has had on the development of media across the UK.
Coronation Street, according to judges of the award, helped put Manchester and Salford on the national stage for culture.
Beth Hewitt, Salford International Media Festival director, said: “We’re delighted that the legendary creator of Coronation Street will be receiving the Award at the Salford International Media Festival.
“Few people have done more for regional broadcasting; he helped to put Manchester and Salford on the cultural map.
“The soap opera arguably played a key role in the success of Granada Television, now ITV Granada, which, this year, marks its 60th year on air.”
More than eight million viewers watched the hour-long Coronation Street special that ITV screened as part of this celebration.
The Royal Television Society labelled Coronation Street as ‘the most successful television programme in British history’.
Ms Hewitt said: “[Tony Warren] shows why regional television is vital to our country’s media landscape and was trailblazer for so many people who will be attending our Nations and Regions Media Conference.”
Mr Warren is well-known for using his own experiences in productions as well as breaking new ground, making Coronation Street one of the more heightened dramas of the time.
The award, the Nations and Regions Media Conference (NARM) Achievement Award, recognises and celebrates figures who have had a resounding impact on the development of media across the UK.
For information about Salford International Media Festival, which runs from Monday 16 to Thursday November 19, visit www.salfordmediafestival.co.uk.
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