European Athletics Championships: EBU provides comprehensive coverage and technology debuts in Rome
The 2024 European Athletics Championships begins today (7 June), with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) acting as host broadcaster for the event, with 29 additional broadcasters on site in Rome, Italy.
For the first time at the European Athletics Championships, the use of drones and monowheels as mobile cameras will be used to capture the action, with the Championships also providing – via an accelerator programme – an opportunity to test augmented reality and a cloud-based mixer.
Taking place 7-12 June, the Championships will be broadcast live across Europe and the world by at least 35 broadcasters, including 33 EBU Members with 1,200 hours of live coverage planned for linear TV.
Broadcasters will be providing supplementary content across their digital platforms that will build on those of the previous European Athletics Championships held at Munich’s Olympiastadion.
Additional, complementary coverage of the Championships will also be streamed live on the new Eurovision Sport platform, which the EBU said would “allow fans to catch every moment of their favourite sports, with all qualifiers and events not covered by broadcasters available on the platform, enhancing the extensive coverage provided by Europe’s public service media”.
The event will feature more than 50 cameras within the stadium to cover track and field events, including 3D cablecams, railcams, and segways. 12 additional cameras will cover external races, including a helicopter for the half marathon and, for the first time at the European Athletics Championships, the use of drones and monowheels as mobile cameras.
These innovations will bring viewers closer to the athletes, the EBU said, delivering more immersive coverage. Additionally, specific cinematic cameras will capture behind-the-scenes and warm-up activities, providing emotional and engaging content.
Facts and figures: 2024 European Athletics Championships
- Host broadcaster: EBU
- 1,200 hours of live coverage for linear TV
- 29 additional broadcasters on site
- 450 accredited personnel supporting broadcasters
- 21 broadcasters will provide live commentary from Rome
- 34 Member and non-Member broadcasters in the mixed zone
- 50 cameras within the Olympic Stadium, Rome, to cover track and field events, including 3D cablecams, railcams, and segways
- 12 additional cameras to cover external races, including a helicopter for the half marathon, plus drones and monowheels as mobile cameras
Another significant innovation project is the “Road to Rome” accelerator programme, developed in partnership with HYPE. The programme has selected companies to test augmented reality elements within the production concept and a cloud-based live mixer. This technology allows rights holders to produce their own unilateral feed without the need for traditional studios or galleries.
Eurovision Sport Director Glen Killane said: “We are thrilled to offer comprehensive and innovative coverage of the 2024 European Athletics Championships, particularly as this will be the last chance to see Europe’s top athletes ahead of the Paris Games. Our aim is to bring fans closer to the action than ever before, using cutting-edge technology to enhance the viewing experience. We are ensuring unprecedented free access through our Eurovision Sport streaming app, designed to complement the first-class coverage delivered by our Members.”
European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov added: “The European Athletics Championships 2024 marks a pivotal moment for our sport, offering an unprecedented opportunity for fans to engage with athletics through diverse and innovative broadcast methods. The partnership with EBU and the cutting-edge technologies employed will showcase the very best of European athletics, inspiring the next generation of athletes and fans alike.”
And Christian Milz, CEO, European Athletics, said: “The extensive live coverage planned for this year’s championships highlights the importance and appeal of athletics across Europe. With the invaluable support of EBU Members, we are ensuring that fans everywhere can experience the excitement of the event. We look forward to displaying the incredible talent and dedication of our athletes on a global stage.”