PAVT – A history of performance

PAVT was founded by Colin and Margaret Stevenson in 1984.  Colin, a pioneering figure in Australian TV audio, was a highly respected broadcast audio professional and mentor in the Australian television industry. His career spanned decades, marked by significant achievements and innovations that influenced the field of broadcast audio in Australia. He was instrumental in innovating the audio experience for studio and outside broadcasting introducing groundbreaking techniques to enhance live sports audio. An audio director and department head for the Nine Network, he worked on high-profile productions, including concert performances by Neil Diamond, Elton John, and Dire Straits.

A brief history of PAVT

The Early Years

In the early 1980s, Colin and his wife Margaret founded Production Audio Services in Melbourne, building on Colin’s expertise in freelance production and broadcast consultancy and time as head of audio at Melbourne TV station Channel 9. What began as a venture focused on distributing Countryman microphones soon flourished into a trusted name in the industry. Over time, the company expanded its portfolio to include globally recognized brands such as EAW, Powersoft, Audix, and Symetrix.

Image - Colin Stevenson Channel 9 head of audio

Times of Change and Growth

In 1987, Colin’s son, Graeme Stevenson, joined the family business, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation. With Graeme stepping into management, Colin continued his broadcast consultancy work, culminating in his role as Broadcast Audio Producer for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games ceremonies—a prestigious and fitting final project before retiring from active production work. In 2012, the company rebranded as Production Audio Video Technologies (PAVT) to reflect its expansion into video and digital technologies, complementing its strong foundation in professional audio solutions.

Image - Graeme with EAW Founder Kenton Forsythe

Up with the Times

Under Graeme’s leadership as Managing Director, PAVT has grown into a leading distributor of cutting-edge audio and video technologies. The company has broadened its market scope, becoming a trusted supplier within the AV integration industry. In addition to its expertise in concert audio and broadcast AV, PAVT now specializes in AV conferencing, networked audio control, and distribution solutions, solidifying its reputation as a comprehensive provider for modern professional AV needs.

Image - PAVT 2018 Integrate exhibition stand (detail)