ITN names new technology chief

UK news production outfit ITN has named Jon Roberts as its new director of technology, production and innovation.  

Jon Roberts

Roberts will join ITN’s senior leadership team and will head up technical strategy for the company, guiding the management and development of broadcast operations, technology, studios, media management and workflows.

Roberts joined ITN as a trainee in 2000 and has since held a number of senior production and technology roles, including technical director, programme director and head of studio technology. He is currently ITN’s head of studio operations.

ITN said he had played a critical role in numerous major tech projects at the news outfit, including launching the ITV News virtual reality studio, developing ITN’s control room integration model, delivering multiple royal special events and most recently elements of ITN’s switchover to remote working.

Deborah Turness, Chief Executive of ITN, said: “It’s fantastic that Jon is taking on this critical role as ITN plans the exciting rollout of new digital cloud-based systems, positioning our business for the future. He has huge experience, both in major infrastructure projects and broadcast production, as well as a deep knowledge of the company. ITN has one of the best technology teams in the industry, with a history of ground-breaking innovation, and Jon will bring tremendous energy, expertise and vision to the job.”

Roberts said: “I first joined ITN as a trainee 21 years ago and have had the privilege of working alongside our expert technical and production teams on many of our biggest projects. I’m delighted and incredibly proud to have been appointed to this role and to have the opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated team. This is a pivotal time in broadcast technology, with new advances creating fresh opportunities and whole new ways of working, and I’m really excited to see how we can continue to develop and innovate in the coming years.”