Krystel Richards has been crowned the winner of the annual RTS Young Technologist Award, presented in memory of A.M Beresford-Cooke, at an online ceremony presented by Abadesi Osunsade, Founder and CEO of Hustle Crew and the Co-Host of the Techish Podcast.
Krystel Richards, Associate Broadcast-IT Engineer at CNN/WarnerMedia, was chosen to receive the prestigious award by a panel of industry expert judges, chaired by Digital Media Consultant Terry Marsh.
Krystel started out on the prestigious BBC Broadcast Engineering Apprenticeship, where she took part in unique placements with industry leaders such as CNN, Digital UK and the BBC, earning a first-class degree. Following this she joined WarnerMedia CNN Engineering as the bureau relocated and modernised to create an all IP production facility. Krystel is also extremely passionate about education in the industry and the importance of schemes for diversity and social mobility.
The runner up and recipient of the Coffey Award for Excellence in Technology 2020 is Arran Paul, BBC news Location Engineer. Arran worked for three years as a BBC Broadcast Engineering Apprentice before taking on the permanent role as a Location Engineer, responsible for providing and supporting on-location connectivity and facilities for live news broadcasts.
Terry Marsh, Chair of the RTS Young Technologist Award jury, said: “The jury was overwhelmed with the talent and number of entries they received during what has been a uniquely challenging year. Krystel demonstrated not only an impressive breadth of understanding for the industry, but also showed great vision for both technology and education, along with a commitment to supporting others. We are delighted to celebrate both Krystel and Arran at today’s online ceremony.”
Krystel Richards said: “I am delighted to receive such a prestigious award and would like to thank all who have and continue to spend countless hours sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with me as I start out in my career.
These uncertain times have brought challenges but the industry has adapted and pushed technology to its limits; it is this innovation that makes television such an exciting field of work, with opportunities at every turn.
Looking ahead I hope to use this win as a platform to share my experiences and celebrate the successes of apprenticeships in STEM.”
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 much to the development of British broadcasting technology through his work on towers and masts for VHF and UHF transmission. The aim of the award is to advance education in the science, practice, technology and art of television and its allied fields.
Find out more about the RTS Young Technologist of the Year Award here.
