Systems integrator and “media architect” Broadcast-Associés recently moved to new, upgraded facilities, which it says, reflect today’s rapidly changing media landscape.
The company’s new space is located on the banks of the Seine in Clichy la Garenne, just outside Paris. With a view overlooking the Eiffel Tower and a total surface of 200 square meters, the offices feature a radio and TV control room for two on-air studios, a videoconference room, a reception area and an open work area for its team.
Technical Setup
For audio, the setup features a Capitol IP AEQ console, Sennheiser mics, processors from Sound4 and BW Broadcast and Sonifex studio signage. For video production, it uses a Newtek Tricaster, Wirecast Telestream video editing software along with its own PTZ cameras.
According to Fabrice Gauthier, Broadcast-Associés founder and general manager, the move and makeover has allowed the company to better respond to rapidly changing media consumption habits and client needs.
“The new decade — and now also the health crisis — has forced us to devise novel ways to produce and distribute content for traditional media such as television, radio and print,” said Gauthier. “This evolution is obvious in the media industry but we’re also seeing it in other sectors as well, where businesses and government entities want to create and broadcast their own media content on both terrestrial channels or digital platforms.”
Gauthier emphasizes that while the COVID-19 health crisis has accentuated this tendency, Broadcast Associés had already anticipated this evolution when it began the planning process of its new premises more than a year ago.
Increased Momentum
“Now with remote working and travel restrictions due to the pandemic, the need for virtual productions and media distribution is growing even more because firms — still — need to reach their customers. Our new offices are connected to dark fiber and have secure IP access to different data centers. This allows us to offer exclusive connections and custom remotes.”
The company is also developing new media platforms to aggregate, organize and distribute multiformat and multichannel content. Broadcast-Associés created, for example, the ConnectOnAir platform for Editions HF, organizer of the Paris Radio Show and publisher of the Lettre Pro de la Radio.
Gauthier explains the technology gathers industry information in the form of live and VOD, audio and streaming content and broadcasts it through an interactive video player via the internet, DAB+ or FM, locally.
As part of its efforts to cultivate and facilitate business interactions, the company also recently created a “Robot,” which it says, serves as a “media tool for the new generation.” The IP-controlled robot has already made its appearance at various virtual industry events in France. Gauthier explains that the robot moves freely during gatherings and serves as the “eyes and ears” for virtual participants.
Via a web interface and thanks to motion sensors, users control the robot via a joystick. The robot lets participants online verbally and visually (through a mic, camera and speaker) exchange with those present at the event.
“This is an usual time for everyone,” Gauthier adds. “We have to be creative and come up with alternative ways that allow us to continue our business activities and facilitate the quality of our interactions, even remotely.”