Sunset+vine Appointed Birmingham 2022 Host Broadcaster

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and CGF Partnerships (CGFP), have appointed Sunset+Vine as Host Broadcaster.

The production company was awarded the contract after an international tender process, and will include the option to extend coverage to the 2026 and 2030 editions of the Games.

Sunset+Vine will capture multi-camera TV coverage of all 19 sports across the Games, which take place between 28th July – 8th August 2022, producing rights holding broadcasters with 2,000 hours of coverage for distribution. 

“This is such an exciting win for Sunset+Vine and we are delighted to have prevailed following a very rigorous bidding process,” said Jeff Foulser, CEO, Sunset+Vine.

“The contract award further establishes the company as one of the few worldwide businesses with the creative and technical expertise to handle large scale events. We thank Birmingham 2022 and the CGFP for placing their trust in us and look forward to delivering best in class production for all broadcast rights holders at the Games.”

In addition to its broadcast services, the deal will see Sunset+Vine launch a Host Broadcast Training Initiative (HBTI) in the West Midlands.

Designed to address a lack of diversity in the creative sector in the region, the HBTI will aim to offer training to 200 young people from the region over a twelve-month period. Birmingham 2022 says 50% of the participants recruited will come from underrepresented groups, while there will be a particular focus on creating opportunities for the BAME community.

Organisers say at least 15% of the 1,600 technical and production staff will be from Birmingham or the West Midlands region. The HBTI, meanwhile, is also set to result in 150 Games Time employment opportunities for participants in the scheme. 

“Sunset + Vine is internationally renowned for delivering award winning coverage of the biggest sporting events in the world,” said Ian Reid, CEO, Birmingham 2022.

“Working with them guarantees that more coverage of Birmingham 2022 will be made available than any other Commonwealth Games, putting the West Midlands firmly on the global stage and delivering an unforgettable experience for fans. 

“I’m also delighted that we’re working with a company that is dedicated to leaving a positive lasting effect on the media industry in the West Midlands by providing jobs and upskilling the future workforce, contributing to our Games mission to help the region grow and succeed.”