More than 150 jobs to be created as Birmingham 2022 announces host broadcaster
More than 150 jobs are to be created in the West Midlands creative industries after Birmingham 2022 and CGF Partnerships (CGFP) appointed sports broadcast company Sunset + Vine as host broadcaster to deliver coverage of the Commonwealth Games.
Over the 11 days of the Games, held between 28 July – 8 August 2022, Sunset + Vine will capture multi-camera TV coverage of all 19 sports, ensuring 2,000 hours of sporting action is available to Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs) for distribution to territories around the world, reaching a global audience of more than 1.5 billion people.
In addition to its broadcast services, Sunset+Vine is launching a Host Broadcast Training Initiative (HBTI) designed to address the lack of diversity in the creative sector.
HBTI will offer training to 200 people from the region over a 12-month period, with 50% of participants recruited from underrepresented groups and a focus on creating opportunities for the BAME community.
At least 15% of the 1,600 technical and production workforce will come from Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Ian Reid, chief executive of Birmingham 2022, said: “Sunset + Vine is internationally renowned for delivering award winning coverage of the biggest sporting events in the world. Working with them guarantees that more coverage of Birmingham 2022 will be made available than any other Commonwealth Games, putting the West Midlands firmly on the global stage and delivering an unforgettable experience for fans.
“I’m also delighted that we’re working with a company that is dedicated to leaving a positive lasting effect on the media industry in the West Midlands by providing jobs and upskilling the future workforce, contributing to our Games mission to help the region grow and succeed.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “One of the main reasons I was so determined to help secure the Commonwealth Games for the region was the employment opportunities it will create for young people across the West Midlands, and I am pleased to see today’s announcement unlocking hundreds of jobs for local people.
“I would encourage everyone to think about how they can play their part in the Commonwealth Games and help shape the future of our region, whether that is through working with Sunset+Vine or through the thousands of other training and job opportunities on offer. The Games are going to be a real game-changer for our region, and we have to make sure every resident sees the benefit.”
Jeff Foulser, CEO at Sunset+Vine, added: “This is such an exciting win for Sunset+Vine and we are delighted to have prevailed following a very rigorous bidding process. The contract award further establishes the company as one of the few worldwide businesses with the creative and technical expertise to handle large scale events. We thank Birmingham 2022 and the CGFP for placing their trust in us and look forward to delivering best in class production for all broadcast rights holders at the Games.”
