Executives from BBC Worldwide and Sky News and an emerging talent at Foxtel Arts have received new awards which mark the 20th anniversary of pay TV in Australia.
The ASTRA Industry Excellence Awards were presented in Sydney on Thursday night.
Dan Aldridge, head of creative at BBC Worldwide Australia/New Zealand, was named creative professional of the year. The BBC First campaign he designed has been adopted for the roll out of BBC First around the world. Just months before the launch he set up a full service creative department, taking design and audio in house.
Highly commended in that category was Carly Heaton, head of brand strategy and creative, A&E, History, Bio and crime + investigation.
Geoff Crane, Sky News camera and operations director, took the TV professional of the year prize, which rewards those who work in roles other than creative, marketing or communications. A Sky News staffer since 1996, he directs the broadcasters’ political coverage and correspondents.
Abdel Moorhouse, programming assistant at Foxtel Arts, won the Rising Star gong, which recognises individuals aged under 30.
Finalists and winners of the rising star and TV creative of the year were judged by their peers subscription television and other creative industries. The ASTRA board determined the TV professional of the year.
“Our winners are unsung heroes whose extraordinary contribution isn't often recognised and celebrated,” said ASTRA CEO Andrew Maiden. “While our TV stars shine on stage every year at the ASTRAs, the industry awards are for behind the scenes professionals whose work contributes just as much to the industry's success.”
Programs on The LifeStyle Channel won three awards:
â— Most outstanding campaign under $50,000: Gogglebox Australia –Gogglebox Yourself
â— Most outstanding use of innovation: Selling Houses Australia – Social Editions
â— Most outstanding social media campaign: Selling Houses Australia – Social Editions
The other winners are:
â— Most outstanding offair promotion (also a new category): Game of Thrones Season 5
(showcase)
â— Most outstanding onair promotion: Fox Footy – 2015 Season Launch’ (Fox Footy)
â— Most outstanding public relations campaign: ‘SLIMEFEST 2014’ (Nickelodeon)
â— Most outstanding advertising campaign: Defence Force Recruiting for The Recruit season 1 (Fox8)