Industry Mourns Death of Panasonic Broadcast Exec

J. Michael Brinkman, Panasonic Broadcast and Television Systems VP of strategic business development, died March 16 in Santa Clarita, Calif.

A 16-year Panasonic employee, Brinkman directed the company's Technology Partnering Program where he worked with over 30 manufacturers to incorporate Panasonic's digital compression technology into their products and systems.

Brinkman was also a long-time member of SMPTE, the International Teleproduction Society, a founding member of the Hollywood Post Alliance and a number of other industry organizations. He was on USC's Entertainment Technology Center Board, as well as the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and the AAF Association.

The Brinkman family has requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to either of the following organizations:


Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited
P.O. Box 803189
Santa Clarita, CA 91380

California Department of Fish & Game
Hunter Education Program - Region 5
4949 Viewridge Rd.
San Diego, CA 91380