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BRUSSELS — The Belgian French-language public broadcaster RTBF has replaced its mobile media fleet with 11 new, identically equipped Fiat Scudo vans. The investment is part of the broadcaster’s strategy to switch to a media content offering that combines radio, TV and digital.
“The Direction Information department decided to renew the end-of-life news-car fleet,” explained Didier Coppens, RTBF’s head of news operations and production. “This was important given the future 360° strategy to produce content in the field. Whereas the former generation of news vans was designed for either radio or TV, the technical equipment of the new units allows our reporters to deliver content for radio, TV and digital platforms.”
“It’s important to note that while production and transmission technology has become increasingly integrated, the equipment and methods used to produce content remain quite distinct,” added Jean Vanbraekel, director of operations and distribution. “So, the essence of the ‘Infomobiles’ project lies more in new production methods than the technical aspect. This goes beyond technology; it’s a fully new concept of working and evolution, bearing in mind full media convergence.”
RTBF renovated the newsgathering fleet to adapt the production method, aiming to enhance the versatility and multiple skills of the technical staff.
“This was already the case with radio, where the technician handled audio editing and production of the content,” said Coppens. “For TV, we had two technicians, one for recording, one for editing. The new generation of news vans will have only one engineer, like for radio, for the coverage of events and newsgathering for the RTBF’s news bulletins.”
Careful preparation
The switch to the new working procedure was carefully prepared. A year ago, the broadcaster organized workshops with technicians and journalists to select the technical equipment for the new vans. A big challenge was integrating twin working positions in the Scudos. “We opted for a light and fast vehicle that can be driven with a “B” driving permit and is easy to park and maneuver,” continued Coppens.
“Rather than ‘studios on wheels,’ the vehicles have become mobile work units for live broadcasts or postproduction.”
RTBF took delivery of the first Scudo a year ago. “We tested the car to check the technical integration — a prototype to check whether everything was correct and met the demands,” Vanbraekel said.
“In the spring, we took on building the vans. The first one hit the road in September.” The new Infomobiles are all assigned to the RTBF’s regional centers — two for Liège, two for Namur, two for Charleroi, one in Mons and four for the Brussels Reyers. At press time, the last two vans were being prepared for the RTBF’s Charleroi hub.
What’s inside
Each vehicle is equipped with a four-fader DHD SX2 console, enforcing the homogeneity of the overall workflow. “In the past, we would have to use separate consoles for radio and TV,” continued Vanbraekel. “By adding a second workflow layer within the DHD configuration, we combine both radio and TV thanks to the unique interfaces of each medium. We opted for a Netia MPEG2 256kb playout system for radio and CGI’s OpenMedia news platform plus Adobe Premiere Pro editing software for TV. The aim is to transmit broadcast-ready content to the production centers or newsrooms using Starlink technology. The vehicles are also 5G-ready.”
RTBF’s system integrator, Amptec, provided the bespoke furniture and mains system for the news mobiles. As DHD’s Belgian distributor, they also delivered the DHD components. RTBF’s technical crew carried out the AV cabling and configuration in the second phase. The Fiat Scudos were fitted with a Mastervolt system, which uses lithium batteries charged by the vehicle’s alternator, offering about three hours of operating power.
“The journalists and technicians are enthusiastic about the new vehicles,” concluded Coppens. “They consider them comfortable vans with efficient interior finishing and new production elements that are pleasant to work with.”
“This is about decent volumes,” commented Bart Lamberigts, Amptec’s Pro Audio Sales manager. “Eleven vehicles in a single order is quite exceptional. The assignment confirms our leading position for this type of vehicle in Belgium — we did similar projects for RTL, VRT and DPG Media earlier. When it comes to A/V integration on standard vehicles, we are the premier partner in Belgium.”
Based in Antwerp, Belgium, the author began hosting a weekly program at a local radio station in 1980. He then joined the Dutch-language national broadcaster VRT as a reporter and music programmer. He has worked as a freelance writer for various publications including national press, industry publications and magazines since 1985.
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