Matchroom Launches In-house Production Arm Matchroom Media
Matchroom has launched a new independent media production arm, Matchroom Media, which will produce live events, original documentaries and shoulder programming for broadcast.
Across 2020, Matchroom says it has produced over 800 hours of live original programming despite coronavirus restrictions, and expects its output to grow beyond 1,200 hours in 2021.
The new Matchroom Media arm will be headed up by the company’s current Director of Programming, Katie Hearn, who has been at the forefront of Matchroom’s TV expansion since 2004.
Hearn began her career at Sky Sports in 1996 and became one of the first women to work on the Premiership and International Football production team. She has also worked as an Associate Producer on Premier League, FA Cup, England International Matches, as well as on pay-per-view and Champions League games.
“Matchroom has positioned itself at the forefront of creating and delivering original and unique programming to sporting audiences around the world,” said Katie Hearn.
“We’re excited to expand to produce not only more live sport, but engaging new content to support these events and the sportsmen and women that drive them. From outside broadcasts, live streams and shoulder programming, we’re committed to bring global audiences epic sporting moments and the inspiring stories that are behind them.”
Group Managing Director Eddie Hearn added: “Content has never been more powerful and as we continue our global expansion, in-house production of our own live events will help us align the narrative from idea to execution.
“We plan to assemble the best production team and sharpest talent for our live broadcasts and bring you compelling content and storylines around our 12 sports. We have unique access that will allow us to grow the hype and narrative through powerful shoulder programming and keep the fans and viewers constantly engaged.”
The news comes after the company launched Matchroom.Live, an in-house OTT platform which launched in May 2020, taking advantage of over 13,000 hours of archive footage and broadcast some of the first sporting events to return after lockdown. The platform also created a space for fans around the world to watch Matchroom events live where no existing broadcast deals were in place.
