2002: Jeff Hunter wins RTS Young Person's Technology Award

BBC R&D's Jeff Hunter has been awarded the RTS Young Person's Technology Award.

BBC Research & Development Department's Jeff Hunter has been awarded the Royal Television Society London Centre's Young Person's Technology Award for his major contribution to the development of Interactive Television systems for the BBC's digital television services on all delivery platforms.

Jeff joined BBC Research & Development as a Pre-University Trainee in 1987. Since 1996 he has led the R&D team developing the technical systems and architectures required to create, playout and deliver the new interactive services on each of the digital delivery platforms of terrestrial, satellite and cable. He has worked closely with colleagues in BBC Interactive who are responsible for content creation and service development. Together they have made the BBC leaders in this area of digital TV with such notable successes as interactive Wimbledon and Walking with Beasts. Jeff has also made significant contributions towards defining the technical standards for interactive services that have been adopted within the UK and elsewhere.

Ashley Highfield, Head of New Media and Technology endorsed Jeff's nomination for this award stating "Jeff has made an outstanding contribution to the BBC's services and, through his contribution to standards bodies to the broadcasting industry as a whole. His contribution as an engineer and leader is much greater than would normally be expected from someone of his age".

Peter Bury, Head of Research & Development said "BBC R&D is very fortunate in attracting highly talented young people. Jeff is one of our stars and this award is very well deserved."