Every day I am convinced that in the things we do have and dose of magic. For rational a person like me that was an unexpected but pleasant discovery, says CEO of Nova Broadcasting Group
The investment of “United Group” confirms the serious commitment of the company in our country
For the first time, we will offer Formula 1 races in 4K
– At the time, Hacho Boyadjiev – a legendary TV director, said that if a TV station does not have its own building, it is not a TV station. Here, Nova TV is already there and since February 1 it is in its own television complex. What is he, Mrs. Zdravkova?
– The building of “Nova Broadcasting Group” is the only one of its kind in Bulgaria. It is the first independent electronic media complex of a new generation. It was created specifically for the production of television and radio production with an area of almost 17,000 square meters. We have 9 ultra-modern television and radio studios, spacious equipment, editing and a completely new newsroom. Our main goal is to build on what has been achieved and improve the quality of media services. We have the latest technological innovations that give much more freedom, dynamism and quality of content.
In the new building, we united all the media
from the company’s portfolio.
– Until now, Nova TV was rented in a rather large and modern building. Why is it important for television to have its own home?
– It is a huge advantage for any media company to have a specially designed building. It is important that it be tailored and at the service of the creative potential. In order to achieve a good result in television production, a great height is needed. We wanted to provide each employee with enough space and amenities to create and fully participate in the work process. I thank all colleagues who put energy and heart into this impressive transformation. Their dedication and professionalism helped a lot in the quick adaptation.
– How big is the investment and of what value?
– The investment of “United Group” (the owner of “Nova” – b.a.) confirms the serious commitment of the company in Bulgaria. It exceeds many times the means of the last technological update, and I can say that it has never been done in our country on such a scale. However, it is an investment that pays off. In the long run, costs will be reduced thanks to the multi-functionality of the studio spaces. No more hiring outside studios and building sets. We switched completely to LED lighting in the studio complex, which will significantly reduce electricity consumption.
– What does modern and high-tech mean in TV language? What else will viewers see?
– Modern technologies allow us to be incomparably faster, innovative and useful to viewers. Until now, in news, current affairs and sports, we were able to carry a maximum of four live links at the same time, and now we can present the events from twelve different points at the same time. We now control the studio lighting with a phone, and all studio cameras are in 4K resolution. Our digital signal transmission technology is exactly the same as that used on Formula 1 tracks. When we broadcast major sporting events, we can record a key moment and replay it literally a second later.
Everything is different – the way of shooting is new, we have huge possibilities in creating graphics and video materials. The software that the newsmen use is extremely functional – the latest version, available for only a few months on the market.
– The studios are huge, from the morning block they boasted that they are 1000 sq. m. Why is such a large space needed?
– The spaces in the new building are designed according to the needs of our company. Each of the five television studios is built according to world standards and tailored to the in-house production that we create every day.
Weekly we broadcast 48 informative broadcasts on NOVA,
and in NOVA NEWS they are every hour. We have numerous shows and sections, each with its own specificity, complexity and duration, not including the specials, specials and commentary studios. The four radio stations in our group have individual studios, our digital company Netinfo also has its own to produce attractive video content. Certainly, studio scale is not the foundation of quality journalism, but it does play an essential role in presenting content. We use spaces and huge video walls cleverly to support the visual narrative. We strive for it to be comprehensive, authentic and precise without becoming an end in itself.
– The studio of “Hello, Bulgaria” is quite colorful. What do colors contribute to a studio?
– Colors should create comfort and hold attention. The stylish layout of the interior and the choice of colors are in line with both the latest trends and the preferences of the Bulgarian audience. The decisions were also made after a study we commissioned. Along with the technical innovations, we want above all the viewers to enjoy the changes and feel like “at home” while being in the center of the happening events.
– The construction of a television complex is hardly like the construction of a block, for example. What is specific and what consultants did you use?
– A specific project of this scale requires time. The main contribution to its finalization was “United Group”, without whose active support this would not have happened.
The process lasted about 4 years and was divided into two projects that were implemented in parallel – the construction of the building itself and the technological provision. The expertise of Dirk Gerkens, United Media’s Director of Programming, Production and Advertising Sales, from whom I took over, was paramount in the selection of technology resources. He had already carried out a similar modernization in Hungary, so his experience was invaluable. The suppliers of our technological equipment are some of the largest in the world. The same company, for example, secured the television broadcast of us and the World Cup in Qatar. Our employees went through various trainings depending on the specifics of their work. They were trained by an international team of experts.
The construction of the building however was realized entirely from Bulgarian companies,
as each stage was discussed in detail and consulted with the managers at “Nova Broadcasting Group”.
– What did the move cost you, and was there excitement and stress about whether everything would go smoothly on February 1? Did it happen like that, were there any mistakes?
– In the long process of this multifaceted project, we encountered more than one difficulty. But we didn’t let them affect the final result. The war in Ukraine also affected the supply chain of all technology companies and accordingly the deadlines for us, which was not possible to predict. During the first broadcast there was great excitement and a lot of emotion, which is completely understandable. But we didn’t make any serious mistakes and this once again proved that we are an extremely efficient and motivated team.
– Modern technologies and studios make sense only if they are filled with content. What new things are you thinking about in the program of Nova TV in the upcoming spring season?
– The preparation of the program scheme for each season is the result of a long and careful study. They are planned after a thorough analysis of viewer attitudes and expectations and are tailored to local preferences. This spring we will offer a variety of content suitable for the widest possible audience.
For the first time in the history of “Like Two Drops of Water”, there will be two seasons, one of which is charitable – dedicated to the causes of UNICEF in Bulgaria. I believe that with our efforts and the experience of our long-term partners from UNICEF, we will succeed
to improve the life of hundreds of children in the country
The Hell’s Kitchen format will be more interesting than ever, with many new elements. We have also bet on the romantic reality show “Edin za drug”, the interest in which has been growing more and more in recent years. For fans of the comedy genre, we will offer the premiere series “My Very Man”. Entertainment and educational content will also be guaranteed with two early primetime shows during the week – The Great Chase and Family Wars.
– Apart from the new seasons of the shows, will there be anything unseen before – what TV premieres are prepared or in the process of implementation?
– The company has the richest sports content. After broadcasting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 4K resolution, we gave football fans the opportunity to follow matches from the Premier League in perfect picture quality. What we are about to offer for the first time in Bulgaria are Formula 1 races in 4K. Exclusive sports programs will be enriched with additional commentary studios and professional analysis.
– Bulgarian series are increasingly attracting the attention of viewers, and Nova TV is known for its campaign in support of them. Are you preparing new series?
– The creation of Bulgarian films is one of our main priorities. We remain focused on this commitment as part of our ongoing mission to support Bulgarian filmmakers and continue to invest in content with a high production standard.
The criminal drama “The diabolical throat” will have new season,
which viewers are already waiting for. At the end of last year, the series was filmed in Veliko Tarnovo, and the project is currently in the post-production stage. We are also discussing a few more film projects to ensure a good variety of genres during the fall season.
– Almost a year ago, you took over the management of “Nova Broadcasting Group”. What are your dreams for the company, where will it go?
– This is a company that has not stopped following the path of innovation for 28 years. And a moment like this, when her biggest transformation happened, is well deserved. “Nova Broadcasting Group” is constantly changing the media market in Bulgaria and I am sure that the people who work for its success will always do so.
I’m changing too. In recent months, I have become convinced that even the most ambitious plan can turn out to be narrow for our creative scope. Our talent cannot be calculated in advance. Every day I am convinced that there is a dose of magic in the things we do. For a rational person like me, this was an unexpected but pleasant discovery.
CV
Stefana Zdravkova has been the CEO of Nova Broadcasting Group since May 2022.
From 2019 to 2022, he is the executive director of the subsidiary of “Nova Broadcasting Group” – “Net Info”
From 2016 to 2018, he was the director for Bulgaria of eMAG
Her professional biography also includes managerial positions in large multinational companies such as XEROX, Siemens Mobile, Logitech & Toshiba Europe
