ITN promotes Jon Roberts to Chief Technology Officer

ITN said the appointment reflected his expanded remit and the strategic role technology plays in the business.

Roberts has led ITN’s technology division, as Director of Technology, Production and Innovation, since 2021.

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 AI.

His 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’ remote studio and newsroom in Leeds, as well as full control room refreshes for ITV, Channel 5 and this year Channel 4.

The team has also delivered a number of major live broadcasts for ITV, Channel 4 and 5, as well as global broadcast clients. This includes 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.

ITN said that 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 collaborates on work with the wider industry, including co-leading the IBC Accelerator Project of the Year in 2024, Evolution of the Control Room.

Roberts joined ITN as a trainee in 2000 and has held a number of senior production and technology roles, including Technical Director, Programme Director, Head of Studio Technology and Head of Studio Operations.

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.”

Rachel Corp, ITN CEO said: “Jon and his fantastic 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.”