By Tom Degun

alex salmond_and_lord_smith_05-07-12July 5 - Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has today revealed that Sunset+Vine along with Global Television have been awarded the host broadcaster contract for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The winning bid brings together the two independent television production companies who, in their first joint venture as SVGTV, are set to broadcast the Commonwealth Games to a potential worldwide audience of over one billion people.

The appointment of SVGTV is also set to boost to Scotland's creative sector, creating over 1,000 job opportunities and training placements for young broadcasters, and Salmond (pictured top, left) said the deal will be of huge benefit to the country.

"The announcement of the host broadcaster this morning marks the largest contract that Glasgow 2014 will enter into, allowing the showcasing of Scotland's Commonwealth Games to a potential audience of more than a billion people worldwide," he said.

"It will not only mean an enormous contribution towards the successful delivery of the Games, but will give a huge boost to Scotland's creative industries.

"The positive legacy that Sunset+Vine and Global Television will leave behind is also pivotal.

"At least 120 graduates from Scotland will work with them during the Games, creating a talent pool that I know will be highly sought-after when Scotland hosts other sporting events in years to come – not least of which will be the 2014 Ryder Cup.

"Planning for Glasgow 2014 is on time and on budget and signing the contract with the host broadcaster represents a very significant milestone."

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SVGTV also used the announcement to reveal their new collaboration with universities and colleges which will create an education and training programme offering live broadcast, creative and technology skills.

As a result of the programme, it is anticipated that 120 Scotland-based students will start their television production careers in assistant production and technical roles at Glasgow 2014.

"We are delighted to have been successful in this joint bid with Global Television to become host broadcaster of the Commonwealth Games," said Sunset+Vine chairman Jeff Foulser.

"Such a prestigious and high-profile global sporting event comes with its own set of unique and complex production, technical and logistical issues that require effective handling and expert execution."

Global Television chief executive Keith Andrews also expressed his delight.

"The Commonwealth Games host broadcaster role is a big responsibility, encompassing every aspect of the production and technical delivery of the international television and radio signals," he said.

"We're proud to be showcasing our expertise on the world stage through Glasgow 2014 and in partnership with Sunset+Vine we are excited about what we will achieve in both broadcast delivery and audience satisfaction."

Sunset+Vine and Global Television are both internationally renowned for delivering major international sporting events with Sunset+Vine's current list of live broadcasts including the World Athletics Championships and the Grand National.

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Meanwhile, Glasgow 2014 will be Global Television's third consecutive Commonwealth Games after the Australian-based company worked on Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010.

"Today's announcement of Sunset+Vine and Global Television as our host broadcaster is a significant milestone in our journey to the Games," added Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Smith (pictured top, right).

"This is not just our largest contract, but it is also the contract that takes the Games to the world.

"This will give a huge boost to Scotland's creative industries as a whole with at least 1,000 jobs becoming available at Games-time either behind or in front of camera.

"By creating jobs for at least 120 students, we hope to leave a positive and lasting effect on the media industry in Scotland."

SVGTV will open an office in Glasgow later this year as it will also manage the design, installation and operation of the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

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