Cherry Kearton Medal and Award

Cherry Kearton Medal and Award is a prestigious honor presented by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) for outstanding contributions to wildlife photography, cinematography, or broadcasting. Named in memory of the pioneering wildlife photographer and filmmaker Cherry Kearton, it recognizes individuals whose work significantly advances public understanding of the natural world. The award is considered one of the highest accolades in the field of natural history media, celebrating excellence in visual storytelling about wildlife and conservation.

History

The award was established in 1970 by the Royal Geographical Society to honor the legacy of Cherry Kearton, a key figure in the early development of wildlife photography and film. Kearton, alongside his brother Richard Kearton, was instrumental in using innovative techniques to document animal behavior, influencing figures like David Attenborough. Initially, the award focused primarily on still photography and filmmaking, reflecting the technological landscape of the era. Over the decades, its scope has broadened to encompass wildlife broadcasting and digital media, mirroring the evolution of the field from the era of BBC Natural History Unit productions to modern streaming platforms. The creation of the award underscored the RGS's commitment to supporting geographical and environmental communication beyond pure exploration.

Recipients

The list of recipients includes many of the most influential figures in wildlife media. Early awardees were often pioneering cinematographers and photographers, such as Hugh Miles and Des Bartlett. Later, it honored renowned broadcasters and presenters, including David Attenborough, who received the medal in 1974, and Simon King. Prominent filmmakers like Alastair Fothergill, known for series like The Blue Planet, and Mike Birkhead have also been recognized. More recent recipients reflect the global and diverse nature of the field, such as Sophie Darlington and Chadden Hunter. The award has also occasionally honored conservationists whose work relies heavily on visual media, such as Jane Goodall, linking image-making directly to advocacy and science.

Selection criteria

The medal is awarded for distinguished contributions specifically in wildlife photography, cinematography, or broadcasting. The selection committee, convened by the Royal Geographical Society, evaluates nominees based on the artistic merit, technical innovation, and scientific or educational value of their body of work. A key criterion is the nominee's success in raising public awareness and appreciation of wildlife, geography, and conservation issues through visual media. The work must demonstrate a significant impact, often over a sustained career, and align with the RGS's mission to advance geographical science and understanding. There is no restriction on the nationality of recipients, and the award has recognized professionals from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and other nations.

Significance and impact

The Cherry Kearton Medal and Award holds considerable prestige within the communities of natural history filmmaking, photography, and broadcasting. It serves as a major career milestone, validating the recipient's influence on the public's engagement with the natural world. By honoring work that combines artistry with communication, the award highlights the critical role visual media plays in conservation education and policy advocacy, influencing audiences globally through outlets like the BBC and National Geographic. The association with the Royal Geographical Society also bridges the worlds of exploration, science, and media, emphasizing that documenting wildlife is a fundamental geographical pursuit. Its legacy is evident in the celebrated careers of its recipients, whose films and photographs have shaped global environmental consciousness.

Administration

The award is administered entirely by the Royal Geographical Society as part of its portfolio of medals and awards. The process typically involves a nomination and selection committee comprising Fellows of the Society, experts from the media industry, and sometimes past recipients. The medal is usually presented at a dedicated ceremony in London, often at the Society's headquarters, alongside other RGS honors like the Founder's Medal. Funding and endowment for the award are managed through the RGS's charitable operations. While the award does not always include a monetary prize, its primary value is the recognition and association with the historic institution, reinforcing the Society's role in supporting geographical communication.