His career spanned roles at the BBC, Rank Taylor Hobson, DigiVision and De Montfort University, where he shared his love for technology and innovation.
Alan became a member of the Society in 1964, and served as a committee member for the East Midlands, and Nottingham and East Midlands centres, contributing significantly to the field of television and broadcasting.
John was one of the most influential and successful figures in British media having launched and developed commercial radio brands including Century, Smooth, Real and Rock.
He was chief executive of both GMG Radio and the Radio Academy, and produced the Myers Report on the future of local radio for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (as it was) in 2009. Two years later, he advised the BBC on streamlining its radio services.
Bernard, as he then was, joined the Society in June 1958 and became a Fellow in 1975. At the time, he was chief engineer and manager of the Advanced Laboratory at Rank Radio International, as well as vice chairman of the British Radio and Electronic Equipment Manufacturers’ Association’s technical committee.
In 1952, Bernard was taken on by the Rank Organisation to work on colour television research. He went on to advise Margaret Thatcher’s government. One of his tasks was to win acceptance for the British Teletext system from standards bodies in Europe and the US.
It was the measure of her professionalism and wit that she could offer advice while gently chiding her fellow continuity announcers.
Mari Griffith, though, was much more than a radio announcer. She was, in turn, a singer, presenter, independent producer and, in her later years, a successful novelist. Mari, who has died at the age of 79, was also a long-standing RTS Wales Centre Committee member.
Peter began his journalistic career in newspapers, working on the Hartlepool Daily Mail, the Northern Echo and the Newcastle Journal. He became an industrial correspondent for both the Sun and the Daily Mail, before going into television with TV-am, the UK’s first commercial breakfast station.
Peter was hired by Greg Dyke, a former colleague on the Newcastle Journal.
Arriving at Sky Sport following the formation of the Premier League in 1992, he masterminded the satellite broadcaster’s revolutionary coverage of football.
Vic began his career in newspapers in the north east of England. The beginning of his working life is the stuff of Boy’s Own legend. Out doing his paper round he saw an advert in the Blaydon Courier for a junior reporter. After cycling the six miles to the paper’s office, he was given the job on the spot after waiting for the editor to open up the office.
By George Pagan
Tony Pilgrim, an important figure in the RTS's evolution, has died. He was 91.
In 1960 Tony helped to found the Midland Centre of the Television Society, of which he became Chairman in 1964.
This led to a seat on the council which in turn led to his Chairmanship of the Society in 1970.
The Society had been granted "Royal" status in 1966. During his term he opened the very first RTS Cambridge Convention, in 1970.
By Steve Clarke
Michael Bunce, who has died of a heart attack aged 79, was the Royal Television Society's first full-time director.
He died unexpectedly on New Year's Eve following the death of his wife, Tina, two weeks earlier from cancer.
Michael joined the RTS as executive director in 1991. His nine years running the RTS were marked by a wide expansion in its activities and the modernisation of the Society's role.
Tom Kilgour walks in his North Country
In February 2006, Chris Stewart, Chief Reporter for BBC TV North East & Cumbria, found himself in the sad position of having to report on the death of Tom Kilgour. Chris grew up watching Tom on 'Look North', then worked with him at the BBC. He wrote:
