Bevan added, ‘We designed this vehicle to be completely self-sufficient. It has
full battery back-up using deep cycle batteries in the case of a loss of power.
This means that even if the power to the vehicle were to be interrupted, there
would be no loss of signal, the listeners would not even be aware of the loss
of power, our systems provide an instantaneous switch over. We have our own
Sentech Channel – 329 and we can run all industry-standard connections such
as Webstreaming, ISDN Codex, IP Codex, POTS systems, Satellite Uplink and
Sentech Multicasting.’
This new, state-of-the-art vehicle has the look and feel of a radio studio with all
the necessary sound proofing. It has been designed to as aesthetically appealing
as it is functional with all cabling, equipment and connections neatly seated
behind panels and built into desktops. Battery back-ups are built into the seats
as a means of keeping them out of sight but also to protect them from rough
handling or being knocked during normal operation. A total of six television
screens allows for a range of video feeds. Only the very best equipment available
on the market, including microphones, sound-desks and switching systems, has
been installed into the OB unit ensuring that all broadcasts are of the highest
quality and signal clarity.
The Brand Connection is now in the process of starting the build on a third
vehicle providing a cheaper option of broadcasting yet at the same quality and
connection. Simon explained, ‘There are various levels of requirement from our
clients depending on their level of expertise, the size of their broadcast and what
they want to achieve. Our new vehicle will give us a full offering from entry-level
with equipment only through to the full service including technical staff and
back-up on a large-scale OB.’
The experience gained with external community-based activations combined with
the interest and passion of the staff at The Brand Connection made the move
into full-service broadcasting the obvious next step. Add to this the support and
cross-pollination achieved by being part of Level 1 BEE parent organisation – The
Media Connection – meant that the company was ideally positioned to achieve a
high-degree of success.
Simon added, ‘Our work with community-based radio forms the basis and
majority of our work, but it is more than that, it is also the secret and source of
our success. We help to develop these radio stations and we spend a lot of time
assisting them. If they improve their systems and capabilities then they can offer
their listeners and audiences better quality radio experiences. We see this as
being part of our corporate social investment programme. It also offers some
of our clients the opportunity to join in our CSI endeavours to improve the
community radio stations and through that to help uplift some of these rural
communities. Our outside broadcasting also allows us to go into new areas
where we have not previously been able to go due to the limitations of power
or infrastructure.’
For your next campaign remember to consider radio and its widespread appeal.
It may just mean the difference between a good campaign and a great one. Then
consider The Brand Connection – where innovation is the norm.
Nex Media •
Vol 2 Issue 3
7
