Gareth Reid named as RTS Young Technologist of the year

The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the winner of its annual RTS Young Technologist Award.

Gareth Reid, technology support engineer at BBC Wales, was selected to receive the award by a panel of industry judges, chaired by digital media consultant Terry Marsh.

Reid graduated from the BBC Broadcast Engineering scheme with BEng Hons after joining as an engineering apprentice in 2013.

After his graduation he joined BBC Wales as a technology support engineer based in Cardiff, supporting TV and radio facilities. He has also been involved in the training and development of the new systems being installed due to the relocation of BBC Wales in 2019.

The Young Technologist Award was established by the RTS with funds received from the family of A.M. Beresford-Cooke – a distinguished engineer who contributed to the development of British broadcasting technology through his work on towers and masts for VHF and UHF transmission. The award is sponsored by Atos.

The runner up and recipient of the Coffey Award for Excellence in Technology 2018 is Alex Snell from BCi Digital.

The winner gets an all-expenses paid trip to IBC while the runner-up receives a technical book of choice.

Terry Marsh, Chair of the RTS Young Technologist Award jury, said: “It was a very strong field this year, however Gareth’s application stood out immediately due to his carefully considered answers, personable approach and his clear natural leadership working alongside both trainees and established engineers.”

Reid added: “I am delighted and privileged as a Broadcast Engineer to be recognised as the Young Technologist of the Year 2018. Working in this constantly changing industry, I strive to provide the highest level of support possible to both production and engineering teams across the BBC, while continually developing my skills in the latest standards and technologies available on the market.”