ITV wins BAFTA for Mr Bates vs The Post Office impact

ITV has been awarded the prestigious BAFTA Television Special Award for commissioning 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office,' a drama that brought national attention to the wrongful prosecution of British sub-postmasters due to errors in the Horizon IT system. The four-part series, which attracted 15 million viewers, is credited with sparking policy change, including fast-tracked parliamentary action to overturn wrongful convictions. BAFTA praised the series as 'public service television at its best,' highlighting its significant societal impact and ability to unite the nation around issues of injustice. ITV executives emphasized the importance of telling such stories, noting the drama’s role in influencing real-world change and honoring those affected by the scandal. Despite its profound domestic impact, the series faced financial challenges due to limited international appeal, underscoring the risks of producing UK-specific dramas. The award recognizes both ITV’s commitment to impactful storytelling and the vital societal role of public service television.