WASHINGTON – The Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association (SBCA) awarded the organization’s Arthur C. Clarke Award to Joe Clayton, president and CEO of Dish.
The Clarke Award, named after the famed scientist and author, is awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the technology and/or new applications in the satellite industry.
The award was made during a June 24 event titled “Launch of an Industry,” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the launch of the first high-power direct-tohome satellite in 1993 and sale of the first residential system by RCA in 1994.
As a senior executive at RCA (Thomson), Clayton was a key player in the development and marketing of the DirecTV/ USSB service. Later, Clayton was named CEO and then chairman of SiriusXM Radio and now serves as president and CEO of Dish, where he has been instrumental in the marketing of the Hopper (Dish’s whole-home HD DVR).
The Arthur C. Clarke Award has not been awarded since 1999. The award’s distinguished list of prior recipients includes Dr. Clarke himself, broadcaster Stanley Hubbard, engineer Dr. Harold Rosen, professor John Pierce, Dish and EchoStar founder Charlie Ergen, and technologist Woo Paik.
“We are delighted to recognize Joe Clayton and his long career in satellite technologies with the Arthur C. Clarke Award. After a 15-year hiatus, we have a person truly worthy of the recognition this award bestows. Not only has Clayton accomplished the trifecta of working for the three video and audio satellite platforms, but he was also a key player in the launch of high-definition TV, which also owes it success, at least in part, to the satellite industry,” said Joe Widoff, executive director of SBCA.
Proceeds from the event will be given to the SBCA Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) entity, established to support worthwhile charitable works supported by the individuals and companies of the consumerbased satellite industry throughout the U.S.
“I am truly honored to be recognized by SBCA with the Arthur C. Clarke award, and I am humbled to be considered among those who have built the satellite communications industry that today serves millions of consumers. Whether following your favorite sports team, listening to music you love, tuning in to watch a TV series or movie, or staying current with breaking news, satellite communications has transformed the American experience in the home and in the car. Even the Internet is delivered today by satellite. It has been my great pleasure to play a small role in the success of our industry, and I am looking forward to celebrating with others two decades of satellite TV with the industry that made it possible,” said Clayton in a statement.
