BBC Director of Sport, Barbara Slater, is to be awarded the IBC2021 International Honour for Excellence.
She is the first woman to hold the post and is seen as a pioneer for women in sports broadcasting worldwide.
“Disparities still exist between men and women’s sport in terms of viewership and coverage, but Barbara Slater has played a pivotal role in helping level the playing field during her time at BBC Sport,” said Michael Crimp, CEO of IBC. “The International Honour for Excellence has a long history of rewarding industry pioneers, so it’s hugely appropriate we recognise Barbara Slater for her commitment to technological excellence and equality in sports broadcasting.”
Ms Slater has worked with BBC Sport for 37 years including developing BBC’s multi-platform coverage of the 2012 London Olympics and received an OBE in 2014 for her services to sports broadcasting.
“I am extremely honoured to receive this prestigious award,” said Ms Slater. “In my years at BBC Sport, I’ve seen an industry transformed. Technology has paved the way to an entirely new level in the quality of coverage, the choice, the range. I am so proud of my career in sports broadcasting and would like to say a huge thank you to IBC for this accolade, which in turn recognises the significant advancements women’s sport has made.”
She’ll receive her award at the IBC Innovation Awards on the 23rd of November, held exclusively on the online platform IBC Digital.