The UK broadcasters’ coverage of Euros 2024 has been a hit with over 10 million viewers tuning in to ITV’s live broadcast of the Germany vs. Scotland kick-off match. This marked the highest viewership for a UK audience since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. ITV holds prime picks for the tournament’s knockout rounds and is committed to an extensive remote production setup to enhance its coverage.
ITV has partnered with EMG as its main facilities provider in Germany, offering comprehensive coverage with a focus on sustainability. EMG’s Nova 50 series trucks serve as the broadcasting hub for ITV’s live feeds from stadiums in Germany, with production operations remotely managed from London. The use of remote production reduces the need for extensive on-site crew and aligns with ITV’s environmental initiatives.
UEFA’s host operation for Euros 2024 involves a large workforce of 1,800 across 10 venues, with a significant presence at the International Broadcast Centre in Leipzig. The tournament boasts high-quality production standards with 46 cameras capturing the action, including special features such as slow-motion shots and immersive audio experiences. The production is in HD 50p HDR format, ensuring a visually engaging broadcast for viewers.
Furthermore, UEFA is delivering over 3,500 hours of content, including live match coverage and additional programming like match highlights and team features. Rights holders have access to a wealth of resources, including multiple camera feeds, statistical data, and pitch-side presentation positions for enhanced viewer engagement. The emphasis on vertical storytelling and innovative production techniques enhances the overall viewing experience for fans.
EMG’s involvement extends beyond broadcasting facilities to supply specialized cameras and technical support for match coverage at each venue. The commitment to providing high-quality production services underscores the importance of delivering a seamless and engaging viewing experience for audiences around the world.EMG, along with Gravity Media, manages servers, routers, and monitors to supervise the distribution of UEFA’s on-site feeds for Eurovision, UEFA broadcast partners, and VAR technology. They secured the Euro 2024 contract a year ago and have their headquarters in Cologne.
BBC Sport utilizes extended reality (XR) technology at its main presentation space near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. They have two studios, an outdoor terrace studio, and an indoor studio that integrate XR technology to reflect the gate’s style and create a Berlin Museum ambiance. The setup combines LED technology, tracking, and graphics in a unique way, making it a first for the BBC team.
The outdoor studio features a weather-resistant LED floor suitable for daylight use, with virtual sections designed to align with actual panel seams to give the appearance of natural glass. The indoor studio uses a variety of augmented reality (AR) graphics for detailed game profiles. Both studios enable simultaneous productions with shared rendering machines, thanks to a collaboration between BBC Sport, Roe Visual, AE Live, and German XR architect Jens Weber.
