Recognition Bestowed upon Irwin and Bialik for Outstanding Engineering Accomplishments
In the world of broadcast engineering, the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) has announced the recipients of its prestigious annual awards for 2025. These accolades honour exceptional individuals, local chapters, and sustaining companies for their significant contributions to the industry.
One of the most notable recipients is Doug Irwin, who has been named the 2025 Robert W. Flanders SBE Engineer of the Year. With nearly four decades of experience on both coasts, Irwin manages one of the most complex and influential radio operations in the country. His dedication to advancing engineering standards and mentoring professionals has made him a respected figure in the industry. Irwin is a member of SBE Chapter 47 Los Angeles.
Another deserving winner is David Bialik, who has been awarded the James C. Wulliman SBE Educator of the Year. Bialik, a member of SBE Chapter 15 New York City for 15 years, has played a crucial role in organizing key educational workshops on Media Over IP and serves on the SBE Education Committee and as co-chair of the AES Technical Committee for Broadcast and Online Delivery.
Blackmagic Design has also been recognised with the SBE Technology Award for their DeckLink IP 100G video card. This is the company's fifth win in this category, a testament to their continued innovation in the field.
The SBE Awards Dinner, presented by the state broadcast associations of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, will recognise these achievements during the SBE Awards Dinner held at the SBE National Meeting, Sept. 24-25 during the Midwest Broadcast and Multimedia Technology Conference.
The annual three-day institute, held in June, provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience designed to support the professional development of broadcast engineers at all career stages. SBE Chapter 15 effectively engages its members through a variety of platforms, including email, the chapter website (sbe15.com), Twitter, Facebook, and Zoom.
Elsewhere in the industry, Compass Media has extended its WheatNet-IP audio network across 85 miles of underwater fiber to link its four radio stations with the two smaller Cayman Islands. Mark Lee of Compass Media, based in the Cayman Islands, has been awarded the Facility Innovation of the Year award for this impressive feat.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin SBE Chapters, in partnership with the 2024 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Media Technology Institute, have been honoured with the award for Best Chapter or Regional Educational Event.
These awards and recognitions underscore the ongoing commitment of individuals, chapters, and companies to advancing the field of broadcast engineering and enhancing media access and connectivity across regions, uniting communities through broadcast on an unprecedented scale.
[1]: URL for the SBE15 website [2]: URL for the Grand Geneva Resort [3]: URL for the 2024 WBA Media Technology Institute [4]: URL for the NAB Show workshops organised by David Bialik
- Doug Irwin, recognized as the 2025 Robert W. Flanders SBE Engineer of the Year, manages one of the most complex and influential radio operations in the country, making him a respected figure in the broadcast engineering industry.
- David Bialik, the recipient of the James C. Wulliman SBE Educator of the Year award, is a long-standing member of SBE Chapter 15 New York City, and has played a significant role in organizing educational workshops on Media Over IP and serves on several technical committees.
- Blackmagic Design has won the SBE Technology Award for their DeckLink IP 100G video card, marking their fifth win in this category and highlighting their continued innovation in the field.
- The SBE Awards Dinner, recognizing achievements in the industry, will be held at the SBE National Meeting in September 2025, during the Midwest Broadcast and Multimedia Technology Conference.
- The annual SBE Institute provides a comprehensive learning experience for broadcast engineers, serving as a platform for professional development at all career stages, with channels including email, the chapter website, social media, and Zoom.
- Mark Lee of Compass Media has extended his WheatNet-IP audio network across 85 miles of underwater fiber, linking four radio stations with the two smaller Cayman Islands. This innovation has earned him the Facility Innovation of the Year award.
- The Wisconsin SBE Chapters, partnering with the 2024 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Media Technology Institute, have been honored for organizing the Best Chapter or Regional Educational Event, demonstrating their dedication to advancing broadcast engineering education.
