RAI at FIFA World Cup 2010

Head of Technicians Massimo Recupito

South Africa is giving the world a lot this sum­mer by hosting the FIFA World Cup™, but Ital­ian broadcaster RAI is doing its bit to redress the balance by actually employing more locally sourced labour than full-time RAI employees. “Our logistical operation was handled by an Ital­ian company with experience and links in South Africa. We have hired 150 local staff, alongside 140 of our own employees, and they have done far more than just help us move our equipment from one location to another,” explained Head of Technicians Massimo Recupito.

“In some cases we have whole families accred­ited to work for us,” continues Massimo, “and we have learned so much about the South Afri­can way of life from them. They have constantly done their utmost to help us and to improve our product.”

With 25 live game broadcasts, in full HD for the first time, as well as two SNG crews and 14 ENG crews on the road, they will have every base cov­ered as the tournament develops. But for RAI it is more than just a football event – it is about bringing Africa to their audience.

“What we have tried to do is remind people of South Africa from the start, right down to our studio decoration,” Massimo continued. “We wanted to link the studio with the colours of South Africa. The first thing you notice here is the spectacular colours, the impressive deep red of the earth, the orange and brown colours which adorn the Soccer City stadium. We want­ed to share that with our audience.”

They have even gone as far as sourcing an ex­pert with a deep understanding of African foot­ball to help add extra insight to their summary team. Former Ghana coach Giuseppe Dossena joins his 1982 FIFA World Cup™-winning team­mate Fulvio Collovati on pundit duty. For RAI, down to the last detail, the aim is to truly broad­cast a fully African FIFA World Cup™ experience to their audience.

RAI Studio at the IBC

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