Jon Roberts has been appointed to the newly created post of Chief Technology Officer at ITN.
Since September 2021, Roberts has led ITN’s Technology division as Director of Technology, Production and Innovation. A member of ITN’s senior leadership team, he is responsible for leading the technical strategy for the company, including the management and development of broadcast and field operations, media and enterprise systems, technical support functions, capital project delivery and A.I.
Under his leadership the team has delivered a digital transformation at ITN, with a range of complex projects. These include transitioning to an IP structure at its HQ in Gray’s Inn Road, the implementation of a new News Production System, the build of the new ITV Newsroom, including their digital-first newsroom studio, Channel 4 News’ innovative remote studio and newsroom in Leeds, as well as full control room refreshes for ITV, Channel 5 and this year Channel 4.
At the same time, the team has delivered a number of major live broadcasts for ITV, Channel 4 and 5, as well as global broadcast clients, from the death of the Queen and King’s Coronation, the Budapest World Athletics Championships and last year’s UK and US election coverage, with live overnight specials for two channels for the first time.
Roberts has put innovation at the heart of technology at ITN, from developing in-house AI tools to overseeing the world-first 5G slicing project with Vodafone for the coverage of the Coronation. He also plays an active role collaborating on work with the wider industry, including co-leading the award-winning IBC Accelerator Project of the Year in 2024, Evolution of the Control Room.
Much of this work helped the team to earn Broadcast’s Tech Team of the Year award in 2023.
Jon Roberts said: “I’m delighted to take on this expanded role at a time when technology and our brilliant, innovative Tech Team couldn’t be more important to the continuing success and growth of ITN.
“As the tech landscape continues to change at an unprecedented pace, there is huge opportunity in deeper, ongoing engagement across the business and I’m excited to see what we can build and deliver together next.”
Jon joined ITN as a trainee in 2000 and has since held a number of senior production and technology roles, including Technical Director, Programme Director, Head of Studio Technology and Head of Studio Operations.
Rachel Corp, ITN CEO said: “Jon and his outstanding team are key strategic partners in everything we do, exemplifying ITN’s trademark innovation at its best. Their work is crucial in supporting the continued success and growth of our business. Jon is a hugely valued member of my senior leadership team, and I am proud of his continued and well-earned career success at ITN from production technology trainee to CTO over the past 25 years.”
Pippa Considine
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