Global Television brings 2008 World Youth Day to 1 billion+ viewers

The 2008 World Youth Day events from Sydney were unquestionably Australia’s biggest outside broadcast (OB) of the year and were also of major international significance.

The broadcasts were the result of 10 months of meticulous planning with the host broadcaster, IMG Media, and recognised Global Television’s unique resources, know-how and ability to deliver a complete broadcast media package.

It was the first time in World Youth Day history that the events were broadcast live.

320 crew produced the local and world coverage, totalling 36 hours of live programming over six days.

15 separate OB trucks and cabins were rigged, and more than 60 cameras were used during the week, including those in helicopters, jibs, studio and FlyCam.

More than 400,000 people attended the Final Mass, which was celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI.

Global Television provided the host broadcast world coverage to both international and domestic rights holders, SBS and Sky News. Unilateral facilities were also provided to the international rights holders EWTN, RAI and SAT2000.

The world feed went to more than 40 countries, with the global audience for the Final Mass estimated to be in excess of 1 billion viewers.

Global Television also worked with IMG Media to set up the joint International Broadcast Centre and Media Centre at Darling Harbour and facilitated the smooth running of international broadcast play-outs and general media requests from both radio broadcasters and print media.

Global’s technical production and partnership with IMG Media were recognised in Australia and internationally, as Church leaders, politicians, the media and the general viewing public, including those of non-Catholic faiths and non-religious backgrounds, responded favourably to the events and television coverage.