Host Broadcast Services (HBS)

2,000 International and Local team members onsite

HBS was created as a single purpose company, to manage the host broadcast of the FIFA World Cup™, thus carrying forward a heritage of knowledge and experience from previous events. Before the 2002 event, the Host Broadcast was traditionally carried out by the home nation. Now, this task is the responsibility of HBS.

HBS’ role could best be summarised as “from pitch to viewer.” It included every aspect of the production of the signal for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, including filming and transmitting the signal, as well as providing broadcasters with unilateral production, transmission and commentary facilities and services.  It managed the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Munich, as well as the multilateral and unilateral broadcast facilities at the IBC and the 12 stadiums where matches were played.

In logistical terms, HBS faced a huge task. By the time Germany 2006 kicked off, it fielded a force of 2,000 international and local team members working in Germany. These “ops” teams worked from blueprints designed by the HBS core team and tested at various events, in the months and weeks leading up to the event.

Its outstanding production capabilities have been recognised and has been appointed to handle the host broadcast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa. 

HBS is funded through FIFA’s television agreement with Infront. The CEO of HBS is Francis Tellier, former Managing Director of TVRS 98, the host broadcaster of the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ in France. His full biographical details, together with further information on HBS, are available on http://www.hbs.tv/about-05franci.php.