Satellite Information Services (SIS) has signed a joint venture with Peel Media to manage and operate the studio complex at MediacityUK, writes Adrian Pennington.
The move marks another departure for SIS whose core business is in satellite transmission and outside broadcast services. Earlier this year it branched into host broadcasting by managing the host broadcast of the XIX Commonwealth Games from Delhi.
“As a company we are vastly experience in studio work,” said David Meynell, SIS Live’s Managing Director. “For example, we install and run the OB production for The One Show at TV Centre. SIS is well known for innovating and MediacityUK is a showcase for innovation.”
The company had earlier announced the relocation of its London production and engineering operation and 150 staff to Salford Quays as a phased move due for completion by 2013. This move will now be expedited.
Meanwhile the company’s facilities and space at Corsham Street, London won’t be left fallow; being earmarked as a playout centre for hire for broadcasters looking to cover the London 2012 Olympics.
“We will open up Corsham Street’s vast range of value added services to non-rights holding broadcasters,” said Meynall.
Facilities include a teleport and transmission control room, space for 80 workstations, stand-up positions for broadcast, ENG and SNG hire, file-based store and forward and IP streaming.
Meynall also revealed that SIS Live, the firm’s outside broadcast division, has bookings for ten of its trucks during the 2012 Games.
MediaCityUK’s studio complex includes seven HD television studios including one, at 12,500 sq ft, that that will be one of the biggest of its kind in Europe. Ascent Media had previously been in exclusive talks with Peel about running the studios.
