For the first time in the history of South Africa, SABC Radio simulcasts with TV were introduced on a major scale across all the major broadcasts of the event. The signal sync with SABC 1 was achieved at regional level. Specialized equipment had to be deployed across the country to achieve this requirement.
In addition, several kits, including out rig equipment, OB vans and broadcast play-out systems (both Dalet and RCS) were deployed across all venues. RBF had physical presence at all the venues that included PVA’s, Fan Fests and at base (regional centre’s including Auckland Park). Overall success was achieved by the provision of SABC Radio services across the country with availability or uptime of broadcasts at 99.98% over a 25-day period.
Whilst RBF faced a variety of challenges during the period country wide, arguably the biggest challenges were experienced in Gauteng. RBF Gauteng’s responsibility included supplying Technical equipment to both Soccer City and Ellis Park Stadiums. The region was also responsible for being the centre hub of all Radio Broadcasts in South Africa whilst also having a large responsibility in the PVA areas. RBF Gauteng also equipped both studios and supplied Technical Producers at Sandton Convention Centre. RBF Gauteng Main Control were continually monitoring the stations’ output to adjust levels, i.e. stadium sound effects, ISDN channels, commentator and analysts’ microphone levels. Each station was monitored several times during each broadcast.
Most stations normally do only one OB at a time, but at times during the World Cup some stations had to do three OB’s at a time i.e. commentator at the sports stadium, the analyst at the mezzanine studios in Auckland Park and the station broadcasting from the fan-fest.
Commentary from the mezzanine studios in Auckland Park usually started 30 minutes before every match and finished up to an hour and a half after the last match of the day which meant that one RBF personnel member usually had to lock up the mezzanine after midnight.
64 matches were played, 704 broadcasts were done in the mezzanine studios in the space of 24 days, which equates to 2 100 broadcast hours on 11 stations.
100 000 sheets of paper were printed containing game statistics, backgrounds of referees, backgrounds on national anthems, team and player statistics for the commentators and analysts to use.
