SCOTLAND’S TV and radio broadcasting sector is expected to receive a jobs boost of around 1,000 posts, following the appointment of two companies to act jointly as the host broadcaster for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The host broadcasting contract for Glasgow 2014 has been awarded to Sunset+Vine and Global Television.
Say the Glasgow 2014 organisers: “The winning bid brings together two highly-respected independent television production companies who, in their first joint venture as SVGTV, will capture the excitement and thrills of the Games for a potential world-wide audience of more than one billion people.
“In addition, the appointment of SVGTV as the Games’ Host Broadcaster will bring a boost to Scotland’s creative sector, creating up to 1000 job opportunities as well as providing world-class training for a new generation of young broadcast specialists.
“SVGTV today revealed a new collaboration with universities and colleges which will create an education and training programme offering live broadcast, creative and technology skills. As a result of this programme, it is anticipated that 120 Scotland-based students will start their TV production careers in assistant production and technical roles at the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This investment in skills for the creative sector will form part of the legacy of Glasgow 2014.”
Sunset+Vine’s CV includes the World Athletics Championships and the Grand National.
Meanwhile, Glasgow 2014 will be Global Television’s third consecutive Commonwealth Games.
Says a Glasgow 2014 media release: “The Australia-based company facilitates more than 2000 hours of television each year including live sport and entertainment, as well the legendary Australian soap, Neighbours.”
The release quotes Glasgow 2014 chair, Lord Robert Smith, as saying: “Today’s announcement of Sunset+Vine and Global Television as our host broadcaster is a significant milestone in our journey to the Games. This is not just our largest contract, but it is also the contract that takes the Games to the world.
“This will give a huge boost to the Scotland’s creative industries as a whole with at least 1000 jobs becoming available at games-time either behind or in front of camera. By creating jobs for at least 120 students, we hope to leave a positive and lasting effect on the media industry in Scotland.”
It also quotes First Minister, Alex Salmond, as saying: “The positive legacy that Sunset+Vine and Global Television will leave behind is also pivotal. At least 120 graduates from Scotland will work with them during the Games, creating a talent pool that I know will be highly sought-after when Scotland hosts other sporting events in years to come – not least of which will be the 2014 Ryder Cup.”
The release continues: “SVGTV, who will open an office in Glasgow, will be responsible for the delivery of comprehensive High Definition multi-camera sports coverage as well as full coverage of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The design, installation and operation of the International Broadcast Centre will also be managed by SVGTV.
“The company will recruit a team of more than 1,000 production and technical experts to deliver the television and radio coverage of the Games for audiences around the world.”
