ESPN Ramps Up Remote Studio Installations to Connect Commentators With Bristol

Anyone watching ESPN for the past week has seen a cavalcade of talking heads chiming in remotely from their homes as the network soldiers on with plenty of live programming in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. These commentators are able to continue to contribute from home thanks to ESPN’s remote operations team, which has install more than 75 IP-based remote studio systems at their homes.

“First Take” commentators are all providing insight from their respective home studios. (Credit: ESPN)

These camera systems are remotely controlled from ESPN’s Bristol, CT campus and ESPN is installing at least one new at-home studio per day.

Shea Byram, senior manager, remote operations, and Ryan Bastek, senior remote operations coordinator, are leading the effort, coordinating with studio directing, lighting and transmission to make sure the remote studios are TV ready. Check out ESPN Front Row’s behind-the-scenes look at this effort HERE.