Martin also enjoys pioneering the latest computer and graphics tools to aid the presentation of a story. Martin presented Sky News’ first virtual broadcast from a 3D House of Commons during the 1997 general election and has worked with 3D and virtual reality technicians on every major election since: notably hosting wall and VR sequences for the general election results programme in 2010, that, incidentally, saw another milestone - the channel's move into HD broadcasting.
Ten years ago, he introduced tablet computers to the newsroom, allowing fellow presenters and himself to move away from the anchor desk for some sequences, while still keeping in touch with breaking news and email reactions from viewers. He is widely acknowledged as master of the vast Sky Newswall, all 10 metres of it, that sits to the rear of the main studio in the Sky News centre.
For the 2010 Election show, tablet technology allowed Martin to have remote control of the Viz RT graphics machines that feed the newswall.
For the Presidential Election in the USA, won by Barack Obama, Martin worked with the latest 108” touch screen inside an entirely green studio, which was electronically overlaid with bespoke Election scenery.
