Task

Swiss television was the first television station ever to be permitted an exclusive insight into the organi-sation of UEFA EURO 2008 by UEFA. As a result Swiss Television wanted to produce a 17-hour show within the scope of “SF Spezial” for the opening day of the European Football Championship, which was to be broadcast live from the St. Jakob Park stadium and from various other outdoor sites all across Switzerland. This should show the public exclusive pictures, emotions and background information, which they would not see on any other station. THOMAS GURTNER was given the task of working as a link between “SF Spezial” and EURO 2008, to make contacts and connect, to provide background information, to brief the respective interview partners and to assist in the organisation of the live transmissions. Thanks to ten years of experience in the UEFA environment, THOMAS GURTNER knew the most important people as well as which rules had to be observed, and which expectations and methods of working a TV operator requires

Solution

The challenge for THOMAS GURTNER initially was to listen and evaluate which aims are those of Swiss Television and which are those of UEFA. Then the problem points were analysed and both sides were made aware of possible problems. Both parties also had to be coached in order to guarantee a smooth run of the 17-hour programme with the interview partners. During the whole preparation period, THOMAS GURTNER coordinated mediation between all participants, motivated them and investigated the premises together with them three days before the live broadcast. In addition THOMAS GURTNER was to refer “SF Spezial” to the diverse possible interview questions in coordination with UEFA.

Result

The greatest scenes of the opening day of UEFA EURO 2007 were seen: the telephone call of Ludovic Magnin, the tears of Alex Frei, the joy of the escort kids and residents of retirement homes, fans and stewards. Never before has a television station been so close and had such exclusive pictures and the viewers there live with them. The presenters Mona Vetsch and Jann Billeter ran the show perfectly, interviewed important people such as Benedikt Weibel, Franz Beckenbauer and Adrian Knup and provided background information about the Swiss national football team, the atmosphere in the other host cities, security and the work of the Basel police, the fan sites and even an inspection of the pitch. The viewing figures were good and point to a successful show - SF Spezial and UEFA were fully satisfied with the result.