Analysis of XX Commonwealth Games Host Broadcast Coverage, Online Media and Official Digital Channels

1. Introduction

1.1 This reports analyses the coverage of the XX Commonwealth Games by the Games' Host Broadcasters, the use of the official Glasgow 2014 website, and associated social media usage during the period between 14 June and 6 August 2014. This is to provide additional information regarding the legacy evaluation research question: "Has there been a change in civic pride and/or international reputation?" Specifically, this work aims to help understand the level of interest in the Games for those who did not attend in person and whether that interest contributed to the reputation of Scotland and Glasgow, both in the UK and internationally.

Background

1.2 Sunset+Vine and Global Television (SGVT) were the Host Broadcasters for the XX Commonwealth Games, providing footage for domestic and international broadcasters, known as 'rights holding broadcasters'.

1.3 The BBC, as the Domestic Broadcast right holder, produced more than 300 hours of network TV coverage, 200 hours of radio coverage and over 1,300 hours of live action, through 17 digital TV streams, and online and mobile services. During the Games, channels Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3 and Radio 4 all broadcast live programmes from BBC Scotland's headquarters, Pacific Quay, in Glasgow.

1.4 Alongside this traditional broadcast approach Glasgow 2014 had its own official YouTube channel which broadcast live coverage. There was also a Glasgow 2014 mobile app which was downloaded to over 460,000 devices and various other Games-time apps.

1.5 The XX Commonwealth Games had one main official website (www.glasgow2014.com) run by the Organising Committee.

1.6 Alongside this there was a main official social media account on Twitter and a main Facebook page: https://twitter.com/glasgow2014 and https://www.facebook.com/Glasgow2014

1.7 Again, to support specific activities there were other social media accounts, including https://www.facebook.com/Glasgow2014VolunteerCentre and https://twitter.com/clyde2014, and a vast array of partner social media accounts.

1.8 There was also a wide range of print, broadcast and online media Games related content generated by both the accredited press who attended the Games and outlets across the globe.

1.9 All of these traditional, digital and social forms of media provided people throughout the world with a real-time, and reported spectator 'Games Time' experience if not attending the games in person.