Op-Ed: Tech Advancements Quietly Move Broadcast-Sports Production Toward Sustainability

ST 2110, REMI, electric trucks, LED lighting offer efficiency improvements

Barbara Lange heads Kibo121, a boutique consultancy firm focused on helping media tech organizations identify and achieve sustainability goals.

As the media industry explores ways to create and deliver content sustainably, we can already see technology advances that have been quietly moving the industry forward, almost without much thought required. We see efficiency improvements as well as convergence of hardware and software, all providing the foundation for sustainable productions.

Live sports broadcasting has traditionally demanded a massive onsite presence, with crews and equipment converging on venues. Remote, or REMI, production has been a game-changer, reshaping the landscape. Deploying advanced technologies, sports productions can remotely control much of the action capture, reducing the need for extensive onsite systems — equipment and people. Remote production not only saves costs but also scores points for a reduced carbon footprint.

The adoption of industry standards brings along efficiencies that can inherently add up to sustainability advantages. The SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards, in particular, enables seamless exchange of professional audio and video signals over IP networks. By optimizing workflows and infrastructure, this suite of standards helps a broadcaster do more with a more efficient infrastructure. That means the productions can make significant strides toward a more sustainable setup.

The introduction of electric OB trucks is a game-changer as well, offering a cleaner, more eco-friendly solution for on-location broadcasts. As electric alternatives become more commonplace, productions can deliver content while also being mindful of their carbon footprint.

Lighting plays a crucial role in capturing the essence of live sports production. The shift toward energy-efficient LED lighting not only enhances the visual experience for viewers but also significantly reduces energy consumption. Productions are already proving that more energy-efficient lighting systems make for a better production without compromising quality.

Modern venues are adopting sustainable practices, from energy-efficient lighting to eco-friendly seating materials to water management. Integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels on the roof, and waste-reduction initiatives showcases the industry’s commitment to creating a greener experience.

Without even thinking about it, live sports productions can achieve some levels of sustainability. Remote production, industry standards like SMPTE ST 2110, electric OB trucks, and LED lighting are easy options moving the industry toward more-sustainable productions. The key is to incorporate such technologies with a sustainable mindset. These measures can provide the state-of-the-art production that broadcasters, leagues, and fans want, while also delivering on sustainable metrics.

Note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and/or interview subject and do not represent positions of SVG.