CBS Interactive

CBS Interactive contracted Broadcast Management Group to provide broadcast consulting services for the launch of a 24/7 sports OTT network. As a major U.S. digital content provider, CBS Interactive decided to launch their 24/7 OTT network to better serve their core audience. Working with their digital team, who’s desire was to replicate the successful OTT presentation being done by their news division, our broadcast consulting team was brought in to help research the technical challenges of the project, create request for vendor proposals, initiate vendor discussions, and assist in securing technology and system integration support. Our broadcast consultants also provided project management where needed to assist in keeping the project on time and on budget.

As CBS Interactive was developing their sports network, we also provided creative services by supporting the design of new scenic elements as sets were upgraded and rebranded. It was a challenging project that involved utilizing existing technology where possible while instituting new technologies and workflows in support of a new newsroom operation which included desk top video capture, edit, and archive capabilities.

The project first required understanding what broadcast technology was already in place to support their current digital workflow, which needed to be sustained throughout the build process. Once it was determined what technology would continue to be useful and what technology needed to be added in support the new network, we worked with our system integrator to create a technology workflow and design plan.

The next step was to work with various vendors to find the right technology solutions. Keeping in mind the budget and project timeline was a priority for the client as we worked through possible solutions. To execute the project, it required taking two steps back and re-working some of the existing infrastructure in order to correctly accommodate the additional new technology to be installed. Our goal was to successfully navigate budget and timeline challenges, while still meeting the performance requirements requested by the client.

The end result is an OTT network that meets all objectives, delivered within an aggressive timeframe that incorporated the client’s need for certain performance standards. CBS Sports HQ is now producing content in key day parts for their audience who desire daily interaction with their favorite teams.

As a broadcast consulting team we could not be prouder to have been a part of their success.

“Dave and his team did a great job of coming in and getting to know our team. As an organization that was growing rapidly in support of our new network it was nice to have Dave there to provide the experienced insight we needed to help plan our technology decisions. They were a big part of what made CBS Sports HQ have a successful launch.” – Kieren Portley, Vice President of Production, CBS Interactive