SuperSport TV CEO Marc Jury spoke to iDiski Times regarding the recent news that local language football commentators would be doing more work from an office base as opposed to live at match venues.
In an open discussion Jury walked us through the move, explaining that in the long run, it allows SuperSport to broadcast more matches for fans, while also ensuring more work for commentators.
He also pointed out that the plan for these changes would be across other sporting codes too.
A few weeks ago, SuperSport confirmed that all vernacular commentators in football would no longer be commentating from the stadiums but at the HQ in Randburg, raising some concern amongst fans and the commentators.
However, Jury reassured that this move falls in line with the global trend in broadcasting, with the likes of the Premier League and Fox Sports among those who have already used such technology to improve broadcasting possibilities.
Indeed, unlike previous seasons, where 180 DStv Premiership games were broadcast by SuperSport, they are now making the moves required to show all 240 matches this season.
With costs per broadcast varying between R280 000 and R450 000 depending on venues, it is cost and labour intensive to do live productions.
“What we are doing is a worldwide phenomenon, not something just here in South Africa. Things are starting to move remotely. We have seen it with the Premier League production, and apart from their main game on the weekend, 90 percent of their productions are done remotely in a place called Stockley Park down in South West London where the commentators sit and do their work,” said Jurie.
“The beauty about remote production is that the technology is so advanced that it allows you to do that. We are investing a significant amount into remote production here in Randburg. Other broadcasters such as Sky in the UK and Fox in Australia only send camera crews to the ground and then directors provide replays, the graphics and everyone is [working] off-tube
“What that allows is the director to work on three games a day as opposed to one. They are now using technology to drive great efficiencies within their business.
“Everyone does it and it is not new in the South African context. We are following global trends and we are going to be doing more and more.
“Costs for flights have gone through the roof. From 1 March, we will have our hub in Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium. We have done a partnership agreement with the stadium where we are converting an area into a studio and remote hub. Those rugby commentators will start working there any day in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa; those who are based in Cape Town.”
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Jury concedes that there may be some energy missing from being at live venues, but he did confirm that when it comes to major matches, such as semi-finals, finals, Soweto Derbies and other major local games, all commentators will continue to do their work at venues.
Story by Robin-Duke Madlala (@duke_robin).
