A Personal History and the Future of Broadcasting in the Connected Age

Abstract

Looking back, I realize that I have been a SMPTE member since 1980, and I started in television in 1976 with my first role as a junior engineer at Yorkshire Television (YTV) in Leeds. I have been lucky enough to spend time in the U.S., working with Rank Cintel, followed by helping to launch Channel Four Television back in the U.K. in 1982. That kept me busy until I was attracted by the flashing lights and technology of post-production in Soho London. There, I worked for 625 and Rushes, and I renewed my relationship with the U.S. through our sister companies 525 and CIS in Hollywood. Next was planning for the ITV franchise bid for Carlton Television in 1991, which we won and began broadcasting in London in January 1993, taking over from the venerable Thames Television. Fast forward 18 years, Carlton morphed into ITV plc, and widescreen TV and digital terrestrial TV were invented. Plenty of engagements over the years with the Digital Television Group resulted in collaborating with other broadcasters on interoperability. Then came the transition to online with the launch of the ITV player and the delivery of video reliably over the internet. Then, a few roles came in diverse areas. I helped Freeview to launch the DVB-T2 Freeview HD service and spent time at Heathrow as chief technology officer, a side-step into Big IT. For the last five years, I have had the great pleasure of being the director of technology and innovation for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva.