Press release from Fox Sports
FOX SPORTS’ new 24-hour AFL Channel, FOX FOOTY, will call Global Television Studios in Melbourne home, the companies announced today.
Global is constructing purpose-built production offices and High Definition television studios for FOX SPORTS within its Southbank, Melbourne, complex. Concurrently, FOX SPORTS has re-engaged Global to facilitate its High Definition digital AFL coverage for a further five years (2012-2016). Global Television has provided broadcast technical services for FOXTEL and FOX SPORTS’ AFL telecasts since 2001.
Programs originating from FOX FOOTY’s dedicated studios will include panel-style shows, sports entertainment and news presentations.
The FOX FOOTY studios will have eight permanent HD cameras, with the ability to scale-up when required, and enjoy connectivity to the larger studio floors within the Global Television studio complex.
FOX FOOTY will also have 1,590m2 of purpose-built creative and office space attached to the HD studios, as well as its own highly visible and prominently branded public entranceway from Dorcas Street (corner of Wells Street).
To envelop the facility in a 24/7 television feel, a large sound-proof glass viewing wall between the lobby and Studio 1 will offer visitors and staff alike a view of the on-floor action.
FOX FOOTY will exclusively broadcast AFL coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the season and is available to FOXTEL and AUSTAR sports subscribers from February 17.
For the first time in broadcasting history, FOX FOOTY will be home to LIVE, UNINTERRUPTED and HIGH DEFINITION coverage of every match in the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, plus exclusive coverage of the 2012 NAB Cup, FOXTEL Cup, Under-18 Championships and key AFL events complemented by the best commentary and analysis in the business.
Patrick Delany, FOX SPORTS CEO, said: “We’ve had a long relationship with Global Television as our outside broadcast provider and we look forward to building an even more formidable partnership in 2012.
"We have very high aspirations for FOX FOOTY and we are confident that these new purpose-built facilities at Global will assist in the delivery of unparalleled AFL coverage to footy fans, followers and fanatics alike.”
Keith Andrews, Global Television CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome FOX FOOTY to Global Television’s Melbourne Studios and to extend our long-standing partnership with FOX SPORTS for their AFL coverage.
“Our Melbourne studios are the ideal solution for FOX FOOTY and work is well advanced on the channel’s new home.
“In addition, Global’s expanded outside broadcast fleet, after merging with the Cutting Edge OB business, enables immediate High Definition coverage of all FOX SPORTS AFL games, no matter where they are played across Australia.
“We are all very excited about working even more closely with the FOX FOOTY team in 2012.”
Global Television is providing an interim studio solution for FOX FOOTY within Global’s existing Melbourne Studios complex, using the current Studio B and onsite HD control room.