Phil Archer
Technical Director, Internet Content Rating Association
Science and technology has always figured prominently in Phil's formal education and private passions. Nevertheless it was a varied career path which lead to him joining ICRA in April 2000.
For 7 years Phil worked in local radio in different parts of Britain as a commercial script writer, producer and voice over - oh and he had his own show 4 nights a week for most of that time too. After undertaking 2 years of training he then worked in one of Britain's oldest woodlands as Assistant Warden and Education Officer! The traditional woodland management at Bradfield Woods, Suffolk, has remained unchanged since 1252 AD and it was Phil's job not only to help to continue that management but to understand the ecology and to explain it to others. Audiences ranged from local primary school children to Cambridge University Extra Mural studies students.
Worthwhile, fulfilling and about as stress-free as work can be, wildlife conservation does not make much of a financial contribution to a household and, now married, Phil took up a part time lectureship in media studies and resumed advertising copy writing. Lecturing engagements included several visits to the Beijing Broadcasting Institute and China Central Television; copy writing included work for a multi-national hi-fi manufacturer and an educational web site for Britain's leading solar scientists.
The mix of skills gained along the way means that not only does he understand the technology behind the ICRA system, but can communicate it effectively to techies and policy makers alike.