The BBC and TVU Networks provided coverage of the 2024 UK General Election using a groundbreaking and eco-friendly remote production approach.
Utilizing TVU’s cloud platform, the BBC managed 369 live feeds from vote counting locations across the UK, captured through the TVU Anywhere mobile app.
Seamless Streaming and Broad Audience Reach
These feeds were streamed on BBC iPlayer, the BBC News website, and displayed on a giant virtual mosaic screen at the BBC’s London studio headquarters, London Broadcasting House. This allowed audiences in the UK and globally to access the coverage, reaching a peak audience of 4.6 million viewers in the UK.
Efficient Remote Production Setup
The BBC developed a custom tripod and smartphone kit running the TVU Anywhere app for cellular bonded live transmissions. This kit, sent to every count location in a long tube case, was designed to be user-friendly and easily set up by non-technical staff. The phones used data-only SIM cards, with the app bonding the SIM signal to WiFi for faster speeds.
Environmentally Friendly Approach
This setup enabled BBC News to capture real-time video feeds without relying on broadcast vehicles, making the production more environmentally friendly. The kits, assembled by BBC representatives at the count locations, facilitated the generation of more live content.
Cloud-Based Management of Live Feeds
Hundreds of live feeds were ingested and recorded in real-time on the TVU Search cloud platform. These feeds were displayed in a large mosaic view using TVU Partyline, allowing viewers to see all voting locations across the UK simultaneously and access custom mosaics for their regions.
New Method of Election Broadcasting
“This approach not only upheld the BBC’s highest quality standards but also pioneered a new method of election broadcasting that would have been near impossible using traditional methods. The TVU cloud platform allowed us to scale up a vast number of feeds and handle peak traffic seamlessly without investing in additional hardware. This was both an editorial and technological innovation that transformed the viewing experience, bringing the vote counting process closer to our audience, setting a new benchmark in election coverage,” said Geraint Thomas from BBC News.
Regional Workflows and Comprehensive Coverage
The BBC managed 21 regional workflows through TVU Partyline, providing tailored coverage for different areas of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With access to any of the 369 counts, the BBC could always be where the story was. Augmented with traditional broadcast live SNG and bonded connectivity, the BBC ensured comprehensive coverage on digital platforms, TV, and radio throughout the night.
Interactive and Engaging Viewing Experience
Viewers could access live feeds via BBC News’ website constituency pages. The BBC’s London studio featured a massive virtual LED wall connected to all feeds, while national programs in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also had access to the live content. Live streams were used alongside real-time updates and analysis from political commentators, making the coverage interactive and visually engaging. The TVU platform seamlessly integrated IP output for OTT and SDI for TV and radio programs into the existing broadcast infrastructure.
