Emma Heesters joins MTV for its first 5G-enabled remote broadcast

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ViacomCBS Networks International and ViacomCBS Digital Studios International will collaborate to produce MTV’s first Live 5G enabled remote production in Amsterdam.

Emma Heesters at the MTV EMAs.
(Image credit: MTV)

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) and ViacomCBS Digital Studios International (VDSI) have announced that they are partnering with IBC and VodafoneZiggo to remotely produce MTV’s first live 5G remote production.

The live performance will feature MTV EMA Award-winning artist, Emma Heesters, who will perform live from a river boat in Amsterdam, on September 10th, in a COVID safe production environment, with an MTV presenter based on-shore.

“ViacomCBS Network International is connecting 5G network operators and the newest technologies with our iconic brands and broadcast innovations to push the boundaries of commercializing 5G today,” explained Brendan Yam, SVP and general manager for VDSI.

5G in broadcasting

The broadcasting industry is currently looking at whether 5G technology can deliver both linear, and nonlinear broadcasts, whilst supporting them with enhanced media services (EMS), which are a combination of both. (‘Linear media’ refers to conventional TV or radio channels where programmes such as news, sport, entertainment and documentaries are scheduled by a service provider to be viewed at the time of transmission; whereas ‘nonlinear media’ is a type of media content that is offered on-demand at the request of the user.)

And this joint production will be delivered as part of IBC’s Accelerator Programme 2020, a project designed to “ignite broadcaster firsts” for 5G & remote productions.

“This ‘MTV Push Live’ remote production over 5G with IBC and VodafoneZiggo does exactly that,” said Yam. “And it gives us another way to safely bring content to fans around the world.”

The production team will be using 5G technology to reduce on-site crew, and take advantage of more remote resources through the cloud production. All the companies involved are hoping that this test broadcast will demonstrate how 5G is going to change the entertainment and music business, as the newest technology is embraced and applied effectively.

The live show will be recorded and broadcast live by VCNI with multiple AI cameras and 5G drones using VodafoneZiggo’s 5G network, allowing for streamlined and remote production.

Dan Oliver
Dan Oliver

Dan is a British journalist with 20 years of experience in the design and tech sectors, producing content for the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, Dell and The Sunday Times. In 2012 he helped launch the world's number one design blog, Creative Bloq. Dan is now editor-in-chief at 5Gradar, where he oversees news, insight and reviews, providing an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the key issues facing 5G.