Blue Planet Live, a co-production between The Open University (OU) and the BBC, took home gold at the first virtual British Academy Television Awards (BAFTA).
Up against stiff competition, including Glastonbury 2019 and last year’s televised election results, the marine life series triumphed and received the award for Best Live Event.
Blue Planet Live, a four-part series for BBC One, showcased marine life from all corners of the globe while exploring the health of the planet’s oceans. OU nominated academics Dr Carl Boardman, Dr Toni Gladding and Dr Miranda Dyson provided scientific expertise across the series.
Speaking on the award, Dr Carl Boardman, Lecturer in Energy and Environmental Sciences at The Open University, said:
“The Blue Planet series has captured the hearts and minds of the Great British public and beyond. Blue Planet Live was no exception, providing real-time live broadcasts from some of the most beautiful locations in the world over the space of one incredible week.
“The series beamed spectacular visuals of the Bahamas and Great Barrier Reef into our living rooms, but also highlighted the current health and vitality of the world’s oceans. Success like this is a testament to the amazing partnership the OU has with the BBC and it was a pleasure to play a small part in the production.”
Dr Toni Gladding, Lecturer in Environmental Engineering at The Open University, added:
“I am very pleased to have been involved in a fabulous programme as part of the Blue Planet series and for it to win a BAFTA is amazing.”
The 2020 Virgin Media BAFTA Television Awards aired on BBC One on Friday (July 31) at 7pm.
For more on Blue Planet Live visit our OpenLearn website.
