Barry Johnstone, Chairman of EMG’s UK companies and a close partner of the European Tour group’s television production for many years, sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 76.
Barry co-founded a post-production facility in 1980, which was then acquired by Carlton Communications and rebranded as Carlton Television Facilities (CTV). A mainstay in sports production in Europe throughout the 80’s and 90’s, CTV’s outside broadcasting arm was first awarded a contract with European Tour Productions in 1997, allowing a fleet of OB units to be built specifically for golf coverage. Over the years, CTV OB has accomplished many impressive technical feats as part of its golf services. Going all digital, going all HD, and expanding the coverage to fully unilateral production are just a few of the notable milestones. Barry was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2013.
Speaking about Barry’s passing David Mould, Live Television Director at the European Tour group, said: “Barry Johnstone was a legend in the world of television. His foresight and vision in modernising sports broadcasting was unequalled. Barry’s real love in the world of sport was golf and in an unprecedented move in the 1990s, he promised and delivered to European Tour Productions the most comprehensive fleet of vehicles, set up especially for golf production. He ensured that these trucks were continually updated to keep production of the European Tour at the forefront of sport’s broadcasting. Simply, whatever Barry promised, he delivered. On a personal note, Barry was a friend, who changed my life and the lives of many others. He had time for everyone and no problem was too big to solve. He leaves a huge void in the television world.”
