Matchroom has launched its own independent media production arm called Matchroom Media, which will become the home to production of live events, original documentaries and shoulder programming for all broadcast platforms.
The new division will be led by Director of Programming, Katie Hearn, who first joined Matchroom in 2004. Hearn boasts an impressive CV, having started out at Sky Sports in 1996 and going on to become one of the first women to work on the international football production team.
“Content has never been more powerful and as we continue our global expansion, in house production of our own live events will help us align the narrative from idea to execution,” Group Managing Director, Eddie Hearn, explained.
“We plan to assemble the best production team and sharpest talent for our live broadcasts and bring you compelling content and storylines around our 12 sports. We have unique access that will allow us to grow the hype and narrative through powerful shoulder programming and keep the fans and viewers constantly engaged.”
In a statement, Matchroom said that ‘the ability to create engaging content is more important than ever’, amid the global pandemic.
Last year, the brand launched Matchroom.live, an over-the-top (OTT) in-house platform that featured a video catalogue of over 13,000 hours of free archived footage. Fans can also watch live events via the service.
Katie Hearn added: “Matchroom has positioned itself at the forefront of creating and delivering original and unique programming to sporting audiences around the world. We’re excited to expand to produce not only more live sport, but engaging new content to support these events and the sportsmen and women that drive them.
“From outside broadcasts, live streams and shoulder programming, we’re committed to bring global audiences epic sporting moments and the inspiring stories that are behind them.”
Matchroom has already set its sights on the Heavyweight World Championship, the Professional Darts Corporation and World Snooker to make up its 12-sport calendar for 2021.
