NEW YORK — Wuppertal, Germany-based Riedel Communications won a Sports Emmy Award in the "Outstanding New Approaches Sports Event Coverage" category for the company’s involvement with the Red Bull Stratos project. Riedel received the honor from the National Academy of Television Arts and Science at the 34th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, held May 7 in New York City.

LUTON, UK - In partnership since 1970,  the  founding directors and shareholders of Optikinetics Ltd, have recently passed ownership of this world renowned UK manufacturer to an individual, marketing specialist Rob Stitcher. His background includes working at large advertising agencies in New York, including a five-year stint at Grey Group. Rice and Brunker will continue to serve OPTI as consultants to ensure a smooth transition and customer continuity.

MEXICO CITY — LD Jonathan Smeeton, who led a seminar sponsored by Elation Professional at a recent industry event here, was also presented with an award for Technical Achievement. Add a comment

LAHORE, Pakistan — Imran Khan, a prominent Pakistani politician and former star captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team, was injured in a staging related accident May 7 at a campaign rally here, four days before a general election on May 11. Add a comment

STOCKHOLM - Scandinavia’s leading contemporary circus company Cirkus Cirkör has purchased Robe MMX Spots and LEDWash moving lights for their current touring schedule, which presents their latest work, “Knitting Peace.” The Robes are currently the only lights on the show. They are rigged onto the custom trussing structure which is also used by the performers and for various props, with some units placed in the floor.

ATLANTA – Vista Systems’ Spyder X20 is feeding twin Mitsubishi Diamond Vision systems in Atlanta's Philips Arena. The Mitsubishi Diamond Vision systems, which measure 100 feet long and 12 feet high, are mounted at each end of the arena and display statistics, replays, video footage, graphics and advertising.

LONDON - For the third consecutive year at the Olivier Awards, XL Video sponsored the Award for Best Set Design and supplied video equipment for the awards ceremony. The Olivier Awards, honoring the best of British theatre, took place recently at London's Royal Opera House.

FORT WAYNE, IN – Apollo Design Technology, Inc. recently released the Little Focus 5 Wrench. Made from durable stainless steel, the LF5 is a sleek, handy tool for your focusing needs. The closed-end wrench provides easy access to common bolt sizes found in the industry: 3/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch openings. The product is made in the US. For more details, visit Apollo Design Technology (http://www.apollodesign.net)

LONDON - Stage Electrics has announced a management buyout of the business from the estate of David Whitehead.  Under the new ownership structure Trevor Smallwood will continue as chairman of the board and the executive directors of Stage Electrics will remain unchanged. The new shareholders include industry veterans Trevor Smallwood, Dan Aldridge, Bob Smith, James Irvine, Anna Western, Adam Blaxill, Adrian Searle and Ian Tregaskis.

NEW YORK - Two draft standards relevant to arena rigging have been added those available for public review on PLASA’s website. BSR E1.6-4 is for the simple control systems for chain hoists to lift portable trusses and grids. BSR E1.39 is for personal fall arrest systems used by people working on those trusses and grids and other portable structures - such as lighting towers - commonly used for shows.