May 13, 2010 – A small but highly engaged group of FIS Cross-Country TV experts gathered in Stockholm (SWE) on Tuesday and Wednesday to review the season from the TV production perspective and to discuss improvements for the upcoming season. Ola Fagerheim and Odd Kaldefoss from NRK of Norway, Johan Bernhagen from NPC TV of Sweden, Tapani Parm from YLE of Finland and Steffen Lunkenheimer of ARD (GER) joined the representatives of FIS and its partners Swiss Timing and Infront Sports & Media for an in-depth session. Special attention was paid to TV productions for sprint and interval start races and TV graphics.

Last year, FIS worked with Bren Hesters to create a new Cross-Country Broadcasting Manual, which was reviewed and supported by the TV experts. Further development of the manual after the first year of implementation was now discussed along with the integration of some new ideas that will help make the TV productions even more exciting.

“There were many interesting discussions and exchanges of experience during these two days. I’m always amazed about the great enthusiasm that our TV Cross-Country experts bring to bear to support us with their ideas to develop our sport. After the successful implementation of the Broadcasting Manual, I am happy that we have a continuous follow up and work on increasing the quality of our TV productions, which is definitively a key area to help grow the interest of the public in our sport,” commented Vegard Ulvang, Chairman of the FIS Cross-Country Committee.