MSG Networks Partners With Video Call Center

MSG Networks, a regional sports and entertainment network serving the largest media market in the United States, is using the Video Call Center’s (VCC) video-caller based platform to support the production of its newest weeknight sports talk show, MSG 150.

By using a smartphone and the VCC’s efficient, high-quality live video connections, MSG Networks has been able to feature interviews each night with some of the top names in sports from anywhere in the world.

MSG 150 airs every Monday through Thursday at 8-10:30 p.m., providing viewers with conversation around the latest New York sports news and national sports stories. VCC said it offers MSG Networks flexibility and “an efficient option for securing interviews with current coaches, athletes, television personalities and more regardless of their location, whether they are at the office, on the golf course or on the road covering major sporting events around the world.”

Guests need only a smartphone with standard mobile data or WiFi connection to appear on camera and never have to download specialty software as the VCC uses standard native video calling apps like Apple FaceTime and WebRTC-based Gruveo.

“The VCC has added tremendous depth and variety to our show and the opportunity to present our viewers with nightly commentary from the most relevant voices in sports,” said Jerry Passaro, SVP of network and technical operations, MSG Networks. “The lag-free interaction with the innovative platform has made it feel as if the guests are right there in studio with our hosts and continues to provide our production team with incredible flexibility each night.”

The VCC’s production staff and patented technologies ensure long duration, stable connections with no lag to encourage natural, effortless conversation between the hosts and their guests. The network’s on-set monitors enable the hosts to see their guests, and the VCC’s instant return video also lets the guests view the hosts on their phone.

“What MSG 150 is delivering with the VCC is the very best of what is possible in sports television,” said VCC CEO Larry Thaler. “The VCC has in effect provided MSG Networks with the power of global reach so that they can share the most recognizable faces in sports with their passionate audience. This is a tremendous advantage when local teams are traveling or leagues are in their off-seasons and sports figures have returned to homes around the world.”

MSG 150 has had approximately 70 guest conversations enabled by the VCC during the first month of the show, including Knicks legend and MSG Networks broadcaster Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Mike Breen, Ken Daneyko, Jim Furyk, Mariano Riviera and Giants head coach Pat Shurmer.