About The MITS Award

Our 2022 award ceremony celebrated the life and extraordinary achievements of the founder of SBTV, Jamal Edwards MBE.

Through music, entrepreneurship, and his commitment to youth work and raising mental health awareness, Jamal made an incredible impact in his 31 years. He’s left an indelible legacy – not only on the industry, but on the many lives his positive energy and work has touched.

Music legend, DJ, pioneer and national treasure Pete Tong MBE has made an outstanding contribution to the music and broadcast industries over his thirty plus year career. Tong’s tireless commitment to championing the music he loves has seen him earn his role as the global ambassador of dance music.

The 2001 ceremony was hosted by acclaimed fellow DJ and presenter DJ Spoony, with performances from some of Pete’s longstanding friends and collaborators New Order, Becky Hill and Norman Jay MBE.

Richard Griffiths and Harry Magee, co-founders of legendary music management company Modest! Management, were the first music managers to receive the MITS Award. Richard and Harry have between them spearheaded the careers of many successful artists across a four-decade timespan.

The award ceremony was hosted by pop power couple Rochelle and Marvin Humes, with legendary British film maker Richard Curtis presenting the award. It featured performances by artists from the Modest! roster, including Katherine Jenkins, Alexis Ffrench, Niall Horan, Olly Murs and Alison Moyet.

Emma Banks, Co-Head of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) London, is one of the most successful and respected talent agents in the business, and has paved the way for women across the industry.

The 2018 ceremony was hosted by BBC radio and television personality Alice Levine, with the award presented by Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers – a close friend of many years. During the evening, the audience enjoyed performances by Florence Welch, Beth Ditto and Texas – all artists who have worked with Emma during her career.

Rob Stringer, global CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, is one of the most well-regarded and successful executives in the worldwide music business.

The 2017 ceremony was presented by Jo Whiley, and Nicky Wire of Manic Street Preachers – signed by Stringer in 1991 as they were starting out – presented Rob with the award. During the evening, the audience enjoyed performances by Harry Styles, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, George Ezra and Camila Cabello, all chart-topping artists who have worked with Stringer.

Roger Daltrey CBE, founding member of The Who, solo artist and tireless Teenage Cancer Trust Patron, was the 2016 recipient, and the ceremony also celebrated 25 years of the MITS Award and raising funds for The BRIT Trust and Nordoff Robbins. The award was presented by Jeremy Clarkson in recognition of Daltrey’s contribution to the music and entertainment industry and many charitable causes.

Hosted by Jo Whiley, the evening featured a series of live performances from Keane frontman Tom Chaplin, The Shires and The Wilko Johnson Band, who were joined by Roger Daltrey.

Simon Cowell, record company executive, television and film producer and global TV icon, was presented with the 24th MITS Award by One Direction, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the music and entertainment industry as well as many charitable causes.

The evening was hosted by Jo Whiley and guests were treated to live performances from Il Divo, Labrinth, Leona Lewis and Olly Murs. Oprah Winfrey, Richard Curtis, James Corden, Kevin Spacey, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Little Mix and Ella Henderson were amongst those that paid tribute to Simon.

Michael Eavis is the creator of the much-loved Glastonbury Festival, the largest greenfield festival in the world, attended by over 175,000 each year and raising millions of pounds for charities. Through his tireless dedication, Glastonbury has become an important landmark in the cultural life of this country.

Annie Lennox, the iconic singer, songwriter and philanthropist, was presented with the 2013 MITS Award in recognition of her universally acclaimed status as an artist, songwriter and champion of humanitarian causes.

Musician, songwriter and producer Gary Barlow was presented with the 2012 MITS Award in recognition of his status as one of the UK’s most accomplished artists and songwriters, as well as being a dedicated ambassador for many charities.

National treasure Jools Holland was presented with the Award for the MITS’ 20th anniversary, in recognition for his success in popularising music through his broadcasting and musicianship.

International superstar Tom Jones was presented with the MITS Award in recognition of his status as one of the world’s greatest singers and performers, and a truly timeless entertainer.

Broadcaster and presenter Jonathan Ross was presented with the 2009 MITS Award for playing an important part in the UK music landscape, with his passion for music, and enthusiasm for discovering and encouraging musicians.

Sir Lucian Grainge is one of the most successful and influential music executives, responsible for bringing new artists to the fore with his creativity, determination and fidelity to the music industry.

Kylie Minogue was presented with the 2007 MITS Award for her continued success in the pop music industry for over 20 years, and inspiring millions with her dignity and humanity.

The quintessential impresario, Harvey Goldsmith was presented with the 2006 MITS Award. Goldsmith has been part of the fabric of the British entertainment industry for decades as an event producer and promotor.

Legendary broadcaster and star-maker Sir Michael Parkinson received the MITS Award in recognition of his passion for music, and enthusiasm for discovering and encouraging new artists.

Visionary artist and lead singer of Genesis was presented with the MITS Award in recognition of the contributions he has made to British music, as well as his work fighting injustice.

Talent finder extraordinaire Rob Dickens was presented the MITS Award for his commitment to the music industry and his devotion to the BPI, where he served four terms as Chairman.

Partners in song Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written some of the greatest songs of all time, with a song writing partnership spanning many decades producing work that is known and admired the world over.

As Chief Operating Officer of HMV Media Group, Brian McLaughlin was honoured with the MITS Award in recognition of his unprecedented contribution to UK music retail.

The late co-founder of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun, was presented with the 2000 MITS Award for his career that spanned more than five decades. His contribution and support crossed many music styles from Ray Charles and Led Zeppelin to Bette Midler and Pete Townshend.

The late Oscar-winning musician and composer John Barry OBE received the 1999 MITS Award in recognition of a remarkable career that spanned nearly four decades.

The late Sir George Martin CBE was a legendary producer and national treasure. He received the 1998 MITS Award for his exceptional, innovative career that spanned over five decades.

The late Alan Freeman MBE , nicknamed "Fluff", disc jockey and radio personality, received the MITS Award in 1996.

English composer, entrepreneur and musical theatre impresario Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber won the MITS award in 1995.

The founding fundraisers for Nordoff Robbins won the 1994 MITS Award.

The late Maurice Oberstein, music industry executive, won the MITS Award in 1993.

John Deacon CBE, Director General of the British Phonographic Industry, was the first MITS Award recipient.