BBC Research & Development (R&D) has been honoured with the Philo T. Farnsworth Corporate Achievement Award by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, in recognition of nearly 100 years of groundbreaking contributions to the media industry.
The Emmy award celebrates BBC R&D’s impact on global media and technology, which includes the pioneering of Near Instantaneous Companded Audio Multiplex (NICAM) and Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), contributing to the UK’s digital switchover programme and helping develop Freeview, Freesat, YouView, and Freely.
Credit: Zeynep Demir Aslim. Source: Shutterstock
Recent developments include deploying a major 5G network for King Charles III’s coronation and helping set global standards for HDTV, UHDTV, and HDR technologies. For its Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) system, BBC R&D earned two Emmys, one in 2023 and another in 2024.
Jatin Aythora, Director of BBC R&D, said: “This award is fantastic recognition of the ingenuity, dedication, and impact of what our teams have delivered for audiences over the past century. BBC R&D has always been about pushing boundaries – whether it’s transforming how viewers and listeners experience content or setting global standards for trust and innovation in media. We’re proud to be shaping the future of storytelling and technology.”
Looking ahead, BBC R&D plans to drive innovation in trusted AI, content provenance, and media consumption. It is also a co-founder of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), which aims to build a trustworthy media ecosystem.
The BBC has updated its guidance on working with generative AI technology. Discover more here.
UK film and TV industry backs clean power plan
The UK film and TV industry has agreed on a plan to permanently shift to clean solutions for temporary power on sets.
Nigel Warner to succeed John McVay as CEO of Pact
UK producers' body Pact has named Nigel Warner, UK Policy Consultant to the Motion Picture Association and Special Counsel at Lexington, as its next CEO.
Sky’s Priya Dogra to become Chief Executive of Channel 4
Priya Dogra will become the next Chief Executive of Channel 4. Currently Chief Advertising, Group Data, and New Revenue Officer at Sky, Dogra will succeed interim Jonathan Allan in March 2026.
One Battle After Another, The White Lotus, and Adolescence lead Golden Globe nominees
One Battle After Another, The White Lotus, and Adolescence have emerged as the frontrunning films and TV shows for the 2026 Golden Globes.
President Trump weighs in on Netflix deal to buy Warner Bros Discovery
US President Donald Trump has added his voice to concerns about Netflix's planned $83bn deal to buy Warner Bros Discovery.
