RTS Announces Winner Of 2009 Young Technologist Award

The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the winner of its first annual RTS Young Technologist Award, which is presented in memory of A.M. Beresford-Cooke.
Jon Block, a developer at ITV.com, was chosen to receive the award by a panel of judges chaired by Terry Marsh, Executive Director of Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction (W.I.S.E.).
The award was set up with the aim of advancing the science, practice, technology and art of television, giving the winner the opportunity to attend the International Broadcasting Conference (IBC) in September. Judges look for a winner who they feel they will be able to enhance their understanding of broadcasting technology at the Conference and also share the knowledge gained with others.
The judging panel included Paul Mason, Head of Olympic Broadcasting Services; Dr Agnes Segal, Membership Services, The IET; and Peter Weitzel, Principal Technology Manager Media Systems, Siemens IT Solutions and Services.
They were particularly impressed with Jon's close involvement with ITV's investigations into social viewing and innovative advertising formats. In addition to this he has also set up two companies of his own, a football micro-blogging site and a company looking to exploit an online gaming and TV proposition.
Jon is relatively new to the broadcasting industry having previously worked as a consultant in the financial services industry, and at an online gaming company prior to joining ITV in 2008.
Terry Marsh, Chair of the RTS Young Technologist Award jury, said: "It's thanks to young technologists like Jon that the industry continues to move forward and it's vital that we encourage and nurture this talent. It was obvious that he would benefit greatly from a place at IBC and would, in turn ,fulfil the purpose of the award."
Jon Block, winner of the 2009 Technologist Awards, said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the recipient of the RTS Young Technologist Award. As a person who is relatively new to the broadcasting industry I will relish the educational opportunities offered at IBC. I am particularly interested in the rapidly developing areas of social viewing and the potential of online video and I intend to make full use of my visit to the IBC by furthering my knowledge in these areas."
A.M. Beresford-Cooke, in whose memory the award is presented, was a distinguished engineer who made a substantial contribution to British broadcasting technology, helping to pioneer VHF and UHF transmition. The runner-up prize, the Coffey Award for Excellence in Technology, is to be presented to Richard Moore, a Systems Engineer from TSL.
(KMcA/BMcC)