Steve Miller-Jones at Limelight Networks on the shift in sports viewing to real-time, data-intensive OTT services; the rollout of 5G; and keeping content secure. 2020 was a dramatic year for OTT content providers and content delivery networks (CDNs). The shift to online living and remote working resulted in a massive surge in demand for content […]
Tag archives: broadcast
Report: Disney and Amazon considering move into English cricket broadcasting
This could mean that consumers will need multiple subscriptions to follow the England cricket team Disney is reportedly set to show the England cricket team’s tour of India this winter. In addition, Amazon is interested in the rights for the next Ashes series, which could force consumers into multiple subscriptions if they want to watch […]
Study estimates Premier League games pirated by two million Brits in 2020
The numbers could be affected by the Premier League’s attempt to move to pay-per-view A study from consumer comparison site Finder has estimated that roughly two milion Brits watched an illegally streamed Premier League match in 2020. The report from Finder included a survey of 2,000 Brits that took place in December, asking questions about […]
COMMENT: What sports broadcasters have learned in an unprecedented 2020
Greg Burns, head of business development at Arqiva, reveals what sports broadcasters can take on board going into 2021. The sports broadcasting industry was granted a unique opportunity to test and trial new ways of working when producing and distributing content this year as it wrestled with the impact of the global pandemic. It forced […]
Extreme E unveils production plans after 18 months of design and prep
The first season of Extreme E will utilise tech innovations to minimise environmental impact and enable live production from extreme locations. Extreme E has revealed its innovative production plans and the production partners it’s working with for its live broadcasts. NEP Group will provide the technology, expertise and global network for Extreme E’s broadcasts, while […]
COMMENT: Sunset+Vine on producing the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in a pandemic
James Livingston, features producer at Sunset+Vine, reveals the work that went on behind the scenes at the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup With the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacting all aspects of production in 2020, we knew we had our work cut out for us ahead of the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for […]
DAZN reveals new original doc ‘Club Ibiza: The Sessions’
It will become available on DAZN’s global platform this month DAZN has unveiled new original documentary, Club Ibiza: The Sessions, for its global platform. Produced by DAZN Originals in association with Cielo Azul, the programme follows the fortunes of UD Ibiza, a football team in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid. The five-part […]
La Liga and broadcasters adapt ‘Ultimate Xpert’ competition for Covid-19
The competition has had to be tweaked to deal with the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic La Liga is teaming up with broadcasters across the globe for its ‘Ultimate Xpert’ competition, which runs from December until May. In seasons past, this has entailed lucky subscribers, journalists, and influencers visiting stadiums, watching matches, and taking part […]
SkiTV launched on Freeview channel 271 in the UK
The channel is part of the multi-channel OTT platform Channelbox, on Freeview channel 271. Dedicated skiing channel, Ski TV, has launched in the UK on Freeview 271, via the multi-channel OTT platform Channelbox. It streams a range of programming around skiing, including lifestyle, sport, weather, interviews with athletes and resorts overviews. Channelbox works through TV […]
Extreme E partners with Red Bee Media for OTT and broadcast services
The partnership enables Extreme E races to reach audiences across the globe. Extreme E has announced it’s working with Red Bee Media to enable the global broadcast and streaming of Extreme E events. Extreme E is to use Red Bee’s OTT platform for global live streaming on Extreme E’s website and other digital assets. Red […]
High-profile PTO triathlon at Daytona gains global broadcaster support
The PTO 2020 Championship at CHALLENGEDAYTONA includes all the major triathletes, including Alistair and Jonny Brownlee. A triathlon that takes place at the iconic 500-acre motorsports complex Daytona on 6 December will be shown in more than 100 countries globally, following broadcast deals secured by IMG. The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) 2020 Championship at CHALLENGEDAYTONA […]
Broadcast Sport Tech Innovations Forum: Poll results
The results of a number of sports-related live polls that took place during the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum 2020 earlier this month. Broadcast Sport ran a number of polls during the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum 2020 virtual event on 11-12 November, to find out the viewing habits of the attendees and their thoughts […]
WATCH: Day 1 of the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum 2020
WATCH AGAIN: Sessions with BT Sport, BBC Sport, Motorsport Network, Sky Sports, MediaPro, Sunset+Vine, Whisper, Aurora, Timeline TV, NEP and more The Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum 2020 was held on the online conferencing platform Hopin on 11-12 November 2020. It was an exclusive event for the sports production sector where attendees could engage with […]
WATCH: Day 2 of the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum 2020
WATCH AGAIN: Sessions with The FA, LaLiga, MyCuJoo, Extreme E, Sail GP, F1, BT Sport, Sky Sports, and more. The Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum 2020 was held on the online conferencing platform Hopin on 11-12 November 2020. It was an exclusive event for the sports production sector where attendees could engage with live sessions, […]
COMMENT: How esports is leading broadcast innovation amid Covid-19
Nicolas Estrup, director of product and experience at esports organisation Blast on the pioneering ways esports tournaments have used tech to create content during the pandemic. 2020 has been a turbulent year for everyone, none more so than the sports and entertainment world that has been impacted heavily by the limitations surrounding Covid-19. Esports has […]
Premier League ditches controversial pay-per-view model
All the games that were planned for pay-per-view will now be distributed between Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime and BBC Sport. The Premier League has scrapped its controversial move to pay-per-view. In a statement, it said, from Saturday 21 November and throughout Christmas and the new year period, “all fixtures will be made available […]
BT Sport hints at timeline for AR holographic broadcasts
BT Sport director of mobile strategy, Matt Stagg, was speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum BT Sport director of mobile strategy, Matt Stagg, has hinted that consumers could be viewing augmented reality holographic broadcasts within the next few years. Stagg revealed the news to attendees of the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum, while […]
The FA and LaLiga on rights holders’ OTT future
Keegan Pierce, international development UK&I, La Liga, and Matt Brown, broadcast product manager, The FA, were speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum FA broadcast product manager Matt Brown and La Liga international development, UK&I, Keegan Pierce have spoken on the importance of OTT platforms for rights holders and the possibility that they could […]
Timeline TV predicts 200 tonnes of C02 savings in 2020
Timeline TV CEO, Daniel McDonnell, was speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum Timeline TV CEO Daniel McDonnell has revealed that the company predicts it will save 200 tonnes of C02 by the end of this year. Remote production has meant the company has been able to cut back on flights this year, as […]
Sunset+Vine on the future of remote production
Sunset+Vine executive producer Nick Moody backed remote production to stick around post lockdown at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum Sunset+Vine executive producer Nick Moody has backed remote production to be one of the main improvements in broadcast production that will stay after lockdowns end. Speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum in a […]
Tech Innovation Forum: How BT Sport integrates esports content
BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh told the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum how the broadcaster aims to use esports content The Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum was held on 11-12 November, and among the speakers was BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh. Giving insight on a range of topics, Hindhaugh touched on how BT Sport aims […]
Sky Sports and BT Sport suggest CG fans will not be seen in the UK
Mike Norrish, director of creative and digital at BT Sport, and Duncan East, head of directors and creative at Sky Sports, revealed the news at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum UK sport fans may not be seeing CG supporters on their screen while stadiums are empty, Sky Sports and BT Sport have revealed. Speaking […]
Register now for free-to-attend Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum 2020
The two-day event (11th – 12th November) is free-to-attend and will take place on virtual conferencing platform Hopin. Broadcast Sport is launching its third annual Sport Tech Innovation Forum, bringing together industry leaders to talk about the ever-evolving world of sport production and broadcast. Registration for the free-to-attend two-day Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum is […]
DAZN launches globally with Luke Campbell v Ryan Garcia
DAZN is will live and exclusive in the UK and around the world DAZN has announced that its global launch event will be the Luke Campbell v Ryan Garcia match up on 5 December. The OTT broadcaster will show the fight live and exclusive in the UK and worldwide, except Poland, with an initial price […]
Insight TV to broadcast live Red Bull freestyle football and breakdancing
Football legends such as Roberto Carlos, Gary Neville, and Fabio Cannavaro will be judging the footballers’ skills Channel provider and producer Insight TV will broadcast two Red Bull Media House events live next month. First up will be the Red Bull Street Style Final 2020 on 14 November at 7pm GMT. In a new online […]
COMMENT: How sports broadcasters can adapt to opportunities in the new normal
Julien Bertin, head of Infront Productions, France, reveals how broadcasters can adapt to the new normal and take advantage of the opportunities available in sports It seemed over the early summer that everyone in the production industry’s favourite pastime was speculating how we would adapt and return following the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of us participated […]
TECH: Changing The Rules of the game for live news and dynamic sports productions
Ronen Artman, VP of Marketing, LiveU, chats with Broadcast Sport about the capabilities of the LU-800 and the various projects undertaken this year. It’s fair to say that in the build-up to the launch of the first LiveU product in 2008 there was some industry scepticism about the viability of the underlying technology we were […]
COMMENT: Could this year see big growth for NFL’s UK audience?
Aaron Duckmanton, global head of marketing at Grabyo on why the time is right for the NFL to go large in the UK. The NFL has had a long love affair with the UK dating back to the 80s. Since 2007, the league has hosted at least one of its regular-season fixtures in London, reaching […]
COMMENT: What does the Future of Sport Look Like?
Luke Gaydon, Business Development Sports, Accedo investigates the options for broadcasters aiming to pump atmosphere into fan-free sports broadcasts. In these uncertain times, there are two key questions that sports clubs, leagues, and content providers are asking: How do we get fans back into stadiums safely?; And until then, how do we deal with a […]
Podcast: Ingrid Silver, partner at Reed Smith, talks sports and Covid-19
Media industry lawyer talks about how the safe return of sports is being enabled, and the legal implications of Covid-19 cancellations. Ingrid Silver, partner, Entertainment and Media Industry Group at global law firm Reed Smith, talks to Broadcast Sport editor Jake Bickerton about the ‘gradual return’ of sports to our screens, following Government guidance that […]
Five’s The Gadget Show speaks to BT Sport about 8K sports broadcasts
TV tech show interviews BT Sport’s Jamie Hindhaugh and Andy Beale for a report on 8K. This week’s episode of Five’s The Gadget Show features interviews with BT Sport chief operating officer Jamie Hindhaugh and chief engineer Andy Beale at the broadcaster’s first public live 8K HDR sports broadcast. Broadcast Sport was at the same […]
Albert Sports Consortium launch addresses environmental impact of sports TV
Industry group’s aim is to explore issues around energy use and travel in relation to sports production and broadcast. Environmental sustainability organisation Albert has launched the Albert Sports Consortium, to specifically focus on the impact sports broadcasting has on the environment. The Albert Sports Consortium includes BT Sport, Sky Sports, BBC, ITV, Sunset & Vine, […]
German sports streamer develops automated production system
AI-driven system will be used to capture and broadcast the majority of the platform’s future sport content. Sports streaming service sporttotal.tv has developed an AI-driven production system that will be used for “almost all” the future sport broadcasts on the platform. The system utilises a weatherproof 180-degree camera and artificial intelligence (AI) created by Berlin-based […]
Free-to-air triumphs with return of the Premier League
(This article first appeared in Broadcast. Words by Stephen Price) BBC1 Premier League match well ahead of Sky, BT and Amazon Premier League Football returned this week and the process of cramming 92 games in over a little over a month began on Wednesday. Most matches are on Sky Sports (64 live games), while BT […]
Man City vs Arsenal is most-watched Sky Sports football game for 3 years
Return to Premier League football after three-month hiatus draws big audience for Sky Sports With pubs remaining closed and football having been off screens for three months, viewers tuned in in droves to watch Arsenal and Man City’s match-up, which kicked off at 8.15pm. The 2.6m (14.3%) who witnessed Arsenal’s drubbing across Sky Sports Main […]
COMMENT: Esports and broadcast – The legal issues of partnership
Hayley Brady, partner and UK head of media and digital, Herbert Smith Freehills (pictured below) on the potential legal pitfalls to overcome when broadcasting esports events. The Covid-19 pandemic has stripped global television schedules of traditional content, with sports broadcasters instead sourcing a great deal of fresh content from esports. Well-publicised examples include Sky’s multi-day […]
The future of sports broadcasting rights in a post-Covid world
COMMENT: Tomos Jones, senior associate at global law firm Reed Smith on the changing value of sports rights in a post-Covid world. At the time of writing, live sports events are showing the first, tentative signs of ‘getting the show back on the road’. Major football and cricket events now have scheduled resumption dates, and […]
M2A Media unveils cloud-based live video platform
The service is described as a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to satellite and fibre. Cloud-based video specialist M2A Media has launched a new live video cloud distribution platform it describes as “a flexible and cost-effective alternative to satellite and fibre.” M2A Connect enables producers to schedule and automate the global delivery of live feeds, via a […]
Behind the scenes: PDC Home Tour darts
Broadcast Sport gets the low down on how the innovative home darts tournament has been staged and broadcast. Loop Productions, based at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol has revealed its role in getting the PDC Home Tour darts tournament on air. Speaking to Broadcast Sport, the company’s production engineer Adam Young, said: “We used […]
Industry responds to lockdown: watch virtual roundtable debate
You can stream the full BT Media & Broadcast sports industry discussion for free. BT Media & Broadcast has shared the full virtual roundtable webinar discussion it held last week to discuss the impact coronavirus is having on sports production and broadcast. The roundtable included representatives from BT Sport, Excel Esports, FACEIT and Noah Media […]
Podcast: BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh on creating a virtual studio during lockdown
BT Sport has decentralised production to enable presenters and crew to create, produce and broadcast live shows from their homes. Episode 8 of the Broadcast Tech Talks podcast series sees BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh talking with Broadcast Sport editor Jake Bickerton about how the broadcaster has responded to lockdown. Working to a very tight […]
Viewpoint: The appeal and thrill of esports
Amanda Lawson, global head of content at esports company Gfinity on the thrill of the game. Having spent 20 years working in sport, from football through combat sports and more recently in esports, I thought I had seen everything. I am sitting in our broadcast gallery in Fulham, sitting in a different room to my […]
Whisper chief sacrifices entire salary
Sunil Patel forgoes income as Sony indie faces £30m shortfall Whisper chief executive Sunil Patel has given up his entire year’s salary to help staff as the indie reacts to having almost £30m of revenues placed on hold. The directors of the Sony-backed business, which also include Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard, were each […]
Roundtable: How to Build A Fan Base
The rise in new sports formats has focused attention on the best way to combine traditional media with social and digital platforms to engage with and retain audiences. In recent years, a plethora of newly devised sports formats have launched. Formats like Sail GP, Extreme E, the Six Day Series and Roborace or major one-off […]
Tech Talks podcast: BBC’s Gavin Ramjaun on reporting during the pandemic
Episode #4 of the Broadcast Tech Talks podcast series is with BBC sports and news presenter Gavin Ramjaun Up until a month or so ago, being a sports presenter was a fairly predictable role, reporting on the day’s live sports. Like everything else in life right now, coronavirus has turned the role of sports presenter […]
Fox Sports continues dive into esports with Madden NFL Invitational
The broadcaster has already agreed to show the entire eNascar iRacing Pro invitational Series while events are postponed Fox Sports continued its move into esports by airing the Esports Madden NFL Invitational on Sunday. The broadcaster has already agreed to air the entirety of the eNascar iRacing Pro invitational Series, after its first showing of […]
2020 Tokyo Olympic Games confirms rescheduled 2021 dates
The event has had to reschedule due to the coronavirus pandemic The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games has confirmed that it will run from 23 July until 8 August, 2021. Despite the move to next year, the organisers have decided to keep the 2020 name. The Games has had to be moved due to the coronavirus […]
Industry figure warns of ‘huge decline’ in Premier League broadcast income
Sports Lawyer Richard Cramer has some dramatic predictions for the sport industry Sports lawyer Richard Cramer believes the Premier League could lose money on broadcasting rights deals if the current coronavirus lockdown continues. Speaking to the The Sun, Cramer points to a lack of Sky subscriptions potentially causing the company to re-evaluate its huge rights […]
Discovery to move over £149m of Olympics costs to 2021 after postponement
The company revealed the news in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange commission on 24 March Discovery, the parent company of European sport broadcaster Eurosport, has revealed that it expects to move between $175 million (£149m) and $200 million (£170m) of Olympics costs to 2021. The move from the Japanese government and IOC […]
The emerging world of AI-driven solutions in sports broadcasting
Paul Cramer, managing director, enterprise broadcast solutions, Veritone, reveals how the latest in AI technology can help sport broadcasters with advertising and more It’s nothing short of astounding how much – and how quickly – artificial intelligence is transforming our world. Today’s most innovative AI solutions are the ones that amplify human effectiveness, taking people […]
Southampton chief claims Premier League could be broadcast before restrictions end
Chief executive Martin Semmens thinks games could be shown every day while people are at home Southampton chief executive Martin Semmen believes that the Premier League could return before coronavirus restrictions are lifted from daily life. Semmens, speaking to BBC Radio Solent, appears to think that play could be possible sooner than expected – despite […]
Australia and Canada pull out of Olympics, leaving broadcasters in lurch
The IOC has given itself a four week deadline to come to a decision Broadcasters will be watching on as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics look less and less likely to go ahead. Australia and Canada have both made it clear that they cannot compete in the games if they go ahead this summer, and it […]
ESPN turns to news and studio shows during postponements
Archival content and special events could also help in the medium term ESPN has revealed its plan to continue programming during the sports postponements caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The broadcaster has lost access to many live sport events that would usually fill it schedule over the next month and beyond. However, executive vice president, […]
Figures across esports eye opportunity during and after coronavirus crisis
The industry is aiming to take advantage of the postponements in traditional sports Several esports figures are looking at the cancellation of traditional sports events worldwide as an opportunity for the industry. With high profile live sport on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic, a sport that can largely be played online is one of very […]
Extreme E agrees deal with BBC for digital coverage
The off-road racing series will be live and free-to-air for British viewers Extreme E has agreed a multi-year deal with BBC Sport to show the sport on its digital channels. First announced at the Broadcast Sport Content Summit on Thursday, the off-road racing series will be shown live and free-to-air to British viewers – from […]
Broadcast Sport magazine #5 out now
Editor Jake Bickerton gives a preview of the latest print edition of Broadcast Sport. You can read the whole magazine here. Welcome to the first issue of Broadcast Sport for 2020. It feels like the year has barely started, yet we’ve already seen plenty of action in the Six Nations; witnessed Liverpool running away with […]
Espanyol to deploy Supponor ad tech at all La Liga home matches
Tech can be used to tailor advertising to different regions and demographics La Liga side RCD Espanyol de Barcelona are to deploy Supponor tech at all home league games. Espanyol will be making use of the company’s DBRLive virtual replacement technology and NSA virtual carpet placement solution. These are used in conjunction with LED perimeter […]
BT Sport shows UK’s first public live 8K HDR sports broadcast
BT Sport tests live 8K HDR and says it will roll it out to BT Sport Ultimate this year BT Sport last night screened the UK’s first public live 8K HDR sports broadcast, showing the second leg UEFA Europa League clash between Arsenal v Olympiacos on a Samsung 82” QLED 8K TV at the Emirates […]
SailGP reveals enhanced broadcast to be shown in 146 territories
It has teamed up with Whisper Films and others SailGP will be showing its second season in 146 territories around the world. In addition, the organisation has added analysis, graphics, app features, and more to enhance their broadcast around the world. It will be remote produced by Timeline from their Ealing Broadcast Centre, and use […]
HBA Media secures worldwide coverage of the Saudi Cup
It will have a potential reach of more than 400 million HBA Media has secured worldwide coverage of the world’s most valuable horse race, the $20 million (£15.45m) Saudi Cup. The international horse racing media rights agency has worked to make sure that the race will be broadcast in every major continent to over 100 […]
STADS launches with Del Piero backing to assist targeted in-stadium ads
Advertisers will be able to target advertisements towards certain markets through broadcast Advertising platform STADS has launched with the backing of legendary Italian footballer Alessandro del Piero. Founded in 2018, the company aims to make it easier for advertisers to find the relevant games and times to place their commercials on in-stadium boards for international […]
Research reveals substantial live sport streaming opportunities
Although viewers demand a high-quality service Research from Verizon Media has revealed that there could be significant opportunities for sports streaming platforms in the current market. Conducted with over 5,000 fans across the US, UK, France, Germany, and Holland, 63% of the respondents said that they would be open to paying more for a sports […]
Esports and broadcast: A match made in heaven or not a match at all?
From the duration of the game to capturing the atmosphere and considering a change in format, Chris Wood, CTO at Spicy Mango, looks at the challenges broadcasters need to consider before they take the leap into the world of esports. The world of esports is growing rapidly. In fact, it is estimated that esports revenues […]
BT Sport joins BAFTA’s Albert initiative
The telecoms giant is aiming to become net zero by 2045 BT Sport has joined BAFTA’s Albert initiative, as it continues its efforts to be a green broadcaster. Albert brings together broadcasters in their efforts to become environmentally friendly. BBC, Sky, ITV, Channel 4, and Netflix are also members. Founded in 2011, it was created […]
BT Sport to bolster women’s and disability football coverage
Plans revealed to increase content around women’s football and disability football and encourage more women to take up production roles BT Sport will increase its coverage of women’s football, put more focus on disability football, and provide more broadcast training to girls. The developments were announced during the launch of BT’s 4-3-3 strategy, which sees […]
Arena, Dock10 live trial FA Cup remote production for BBC Sport
Production team based at a gallery in Dock10 for FA Cup fourth round OB specialist Arena Television and Dock10 studios have completed a live trial of a new virtual gallery solution with BBC Sport for the fourth round of the FA Cup. BBC Sport’s production team was based at a gallery in Dock10, meaning a […]
EU hits out at Saudi Arabia over beoutQ ‘piracy’
European Commission report highlights ’serious shortcomings’ A European Commission report has criticised Saudi Arabia for “causing considerable harm to EU businesses” by Saudi-based beoutQ , which reportedly provides illegal access to European sports programming including Premier League football. FIFA, the AFC, UEFA, the Bundesliga, LaLiga, Lega Serie A, LFP and the Premier League hit out […]
Copa90 promotes Simon Joyce to chief business officer
Football media group also hires Kate McGregor as head of client services Football media group Copa90 has promoted Simon Joyce to chief business officer. Joyce has been upped from head of global partnerships to the new role, taking over from James Kirkham who has left for a senior role in the music industry at Defected […]
BBC Sport takes on young viewer crisis
Production staff to undergo training in drive to reverse downward social media trend BBC Sport is sending its production staff on a set of courses designed to help tackle the corporation’s youth viewer crisis. In an all-staff email last week, the division’s director Barbara Slater said the upcoming sessions will be designed to improve the team’s […]
BBC launches pop-up FA Cup channel on iPlayer
The channel will show two full days of FA Cup content, including all live games this weekend The BBC has created a pop-up FA Cup channel on BBC iPlayer centred around this weekend’s fourth round action, as well as showing archived FA Cup content. The VoD channel will show two full days of FA Cup […]