NBN plans extensive SEAG TV coverage

Television coverage of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games the country is hosting Nov. 27-Dec. 5 stands to be the most extensive in the history of the biennial event.

Bobby Arias, program manager of the National Broadcasting Network, which has been named recently as the Games host broadcaster by the Philippines SEA Games Organizing Committee, yesterday disclosed that an international broadcast coverage plan has been put in place to ensure that competitions in 41 sports can reach as many audiences, both local and international.

"The scheme is to afford all the 11 other participating countries access in the produced materials for re-distribution to Asean audiences," Arias said during yesterday’s SCOOP Sa Kamayan weekly.

No less than P100 million is needed to carry out the plan, Arias said. NBN and Philsoc will be sharing the funding requirement with the government-owned network covering the expenses on manpower services, equipment and technical and production needs.

Fifteen or more outside broadcast (OB) vans and 12 electronics news gathering units will be deployed in all competition venues, including three in Bacolod City and two in Cebu province.

Two other sequestered networks – Radio Philippine Network and International Broadcasting Corp. – will serve as carrying stations, marking the first time that the Games will be covered on a multi-channel format.

From 500 to 600 personnel will be needed as technicians, cameramen, sportscasters, researchers, etc.

As the host broadcaster, NBN will also house the International Broadcasting Center where foreign broadcasters will be provided with video footages of the coverage. It will also facilitate accreditation of foreign broadcasters.

So far, Arias said that four countries have already signified intentions of sending broadcast teams with Thailand sending six to seven, Indonesia three to four, Malaysia two and Singapore two.

Delegates from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are attending the on-going SEA Games broadcast meeting that started Thursday and will end today at the Heritage Hotel.