The Host Broadcaster contract for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has been awarded to international television sports broadcast experts Sunset+Vine and Global Television, it was announced today (5 July).

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 and Global Television are both internationally renowned for delivering complex technical broadcast requirements for major international events. Sunset+Vine’s current list of live broadcasts includes some of the world’s best-known sporting events, such as the World Athletics Championships and the Grand National.

Glasgow 2014 will be Global Television’s third consecutive Commonwealth Games. The Australian-based company facilitates more than 2000 hours of television each year including live sport and entertainment, as well the legendary Australian soap Neighbours.

Glasgow 2014 Chairman Lord Smith said: “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.”

Making today’s announcement,First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond said: “The announcement of the Host Broadcaster this morning marks the largest contract that Glasgow 2014 will enter into, allowing the showcasing of Scotland’s Commonwealth Games to a potential audience of more than a billion people worldwide.

“It will not only mean an enormous contribution towards the successful delivery of the Games, but will give a huge boost to Scotland’s creative industries. During the Games up to 1000 broadcast-related job opportunities will be available – leading to huge demand for the talented broadcasters and technicians we have here in Scotland.”

Jeff Foulser Chairman of Sunset+Vine said: “We are delighted to have been successful in this joint bid with Global Television to become Host Broadcaster of the XX Commonwealth Games. Such a prestigious and high-profile global sporting event comes with its own set of unique and complex production, technical and logistical issues that require effective handling and expert execution.

“We believe that in partnering with Global Television we can deliver a broadcast solution that rivals any sporting event in the world.”

Following the formal announcement, the highlight of the event was the First Minister fulfilling the role of a sports reporter, interviewing up and coming Scottish badminton player Caitlin Pringle, who represented Youth Team Scotland at the 2011 Youth Games and is hoping to wear Scottish colours again when the Commonwealth Games come to Glasgow in 2014.

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.