Main broadcast camera cut out during Galatasaray-Juventus match: Allegations of a $55 million broadcast crisis at TRT
The broadcast interruption experienced by TRT during the Galatasaray–Juventus match has reopened the debate over the high-budget technical investments the institution has made recently. It has been alleged that live broadcast vehicles worth approximately $50–55 million were purchased and that the malfunction is linked to this system.
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Following the acquisition of broadcasting rights for UEFA organizations, cost debates have returned to the public spotlight due to a technical issue that occurred during the match between Galatasaray and Juventus. The broadcast interruption during the second half of the match brought with it allegations regarding TRT's technical infrastructure.
NO OFFICIAL STATEMENT
According to a report by Tolga Balcı from Gazete Pencere, there was an interruption in TRT's main broadcast camera during the second half of the match in which Galatasaray defeated Juventus 5-2. The broadcast continued for a while with footage of the players heading toward the tunnel. After the return to the main camera, the score and time information could not be displayed on the screen. No official statement has been made by TRT regarding the malfunction.
After TRT purchased the broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League with a tender covering the 2024–2027 period, the institution's expenditures began to be frequently discussed by the public. The technical issue during the Galatasaray–Juventus match brought these discussions back to the agenda.
ALLEGATION OF $50–55 MILLION LIVE BROADCAST VEHICLES
According to the allegation, TRT switched to a different technical system instead of the brands it previously used widely, such as Sony and Hitachi. In this context, it was claimed that the cameras were procured from the company Grass Valley, and the live broadcast trucks were provided by the Germany-based Broadcast Solutions. It was alleged that a cost of nearly $55 million was paid for the mobile production vehicles in question.
NOTABLE ALLEGATION REGARDING THE GENERAL MANAGER
According to another allegation in the report, TRT General Manager Zahid Sobacı achieved a first in the institution's history. Accordingly, it was stated that Sobacı is the first general manager to use direct purchasing authority within the institution, unlike previous general managers.