John Ryley, Head of Sky News, has been awarded with the Individual Achievement Award at this year’s Broadcast Digital Awards for his instrumental role in bringing about the televised Leaders’ Debates, described as ‘a defining moment in recent British broadcasting history’.

The accolade is awarded to an individual considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the development of digital media, and the judges praised John Ryley for launching an online campaign calling for the televised debates.

Conor Dignam, Group editor for Broadcast, Screen and Shots, said of John Ryley: “As the editor of one of the most powerful news brands in the market, this year's winner launched an online campaign calling for a televised debate that attracted thousands of signatures. He wrote personally to every party leader - and published their replies. He lobbied, he cajoled, he used the power of his channel and brand and he twisted arms - to make it happen. Even his broadcasting rivals concede that without his passion and commitment to make this happen, there may have been no live debates. It is these attributes and strengths that helped create broadcasting history this year.”

John Ryley, Head of Sky News said: The award is for everyone at Sky who contributed to the success of the Leaders’ Debate and the launch of HD. Never accept the status quo."