Vic Wakeling, the managing director of Sky Sports, received a lifetime achievement award at an industry ceremony in London last night.
At a sell-out event at Old Billingsgate, Wakeling was joined by David Beckham among the winners of the Sport Industry Awards 2007.
Wakeling received recognition for his outstanding work for the broadcaster since its launch in April 1991, receiving his award from the network’s first ever presenter Richard Keys.
Wakeling started work in print journalism in the North and Midlands before moving to Fleet Street with The Observer, Daily Express, People and London Evening News.
In 1980 he moved into TV with TVS then to Mark McCormack’s IMG before joining satellite channel BSB.
Joining Sky Sports at its launch, he was one of the team who established the new service and as head of football he developed its acclaimed coverage of the FA Premier League.
Nine years ago he was made Managing Director of Sky Sports and under him Sky Sports has grown into a network of five dedicated sports channels.
Among the other awards, Beckham, the former England captain, was recognised for an outstanding contribution to British sport, while Arsenal FC won an award for sport business achievement for the development of the Emirates Stadium.
UK Sport’s award for best newspaper sport coverage went to The Daily Telegraph.