Global Television and Cutting Edge merge OB businesses

Global Television and Cutting Edge today announced the merger of their respective outside broadcast (OB) businesses.

The combined entity, which from today operates under the Global Television banner, joins the best of both companies to create even higher levels of client service.

It gives television networks and program producers access to a greater range of facilities and broadcast technical expertise across the country.

Global now boasts an expanded fleet of High Definition (HD) outside broadcast trucks – ranging from small, six-camera vans to HD supertrucks that accommodate up to 35 production and technical operators – providing exceptional responsiveness.

In addition, the incorporation of Cutting Edge’s HD and SD tapeless workflow capabilities for live and near-live broadcasts creates an end-to-end client solution that is unique in the Australian market.

Cutting Edge will retain its creative post production business – including its long-form, short-form and digital operations – which will continue to trade as Cutting Edge.

Global Television CEO Keith Andrews said: “I would like to welcome Cutting Edge’s CEO Michael Burton and his outside broadcast team to the Global family.

“Global Television and Cutting Edge are two successful businesses that share a customer-focused culture and drive to exceed expectations on every project.

“Combining our resources gives us a broad range of facilities and deep pool of expertise to cover every type of event, from live sport to light entertainment and corporate events, integrating the best in broadcast technology with new digital workflows.

“We are now a larger but even more competitive and cost-efficient company that is poised for further growth, generating benefits for our customers, staff and shareholders alike.”

Michael Burton, Cutting Edge’s CEO, said: “This is an exciting new era in outside broadcast in Australia. The newly combined teams will be continuing to develop the innovative culture that we’ve both worked hard at over the last few years, bringing improved service and technology to our clients.”

The merged business will employ approximately 125 full-time staff located in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and servicing clients Australia-wide.

Mr Andrews continued: “As testament to our capabilities, we have just delivered Australia’s three biggest annual outside broadcasts: the AFL Grand Final (Cutting Edge), NRL Grand Final and Bathurst 1000 (Global).

“Such marquee events simply do not happen without the very best broadcast technical people working behind the scenes to deliver the results our clients expect.

“In contrast, we have also facilitated several small four-camera OBs over the past couple weeks – such as the Gold Coast parade and Keys to the City presentations for Sam Stosur and Sally Pearson for the Nine Network –highlighting the breadth of our fleet capabilities.

“The merger also allows Global to pursue additional projects, both domestically and overseas, creating new employment opportunities and the chance for our staff to further develop their technical skills.

“We look forward to setting even higher standards of customer service by uniting Global and Cutting Edge’s outstanding resources and intellectual property.”

Global Television sought and was granted ACCC approval for the merger.