Newton Buchner - Head of Live Events, Broadcast & Production, Tata Comms Media/The Switch

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Work Background

Tata Comms MediaHead of Live Operations, Broadcast & Production

Feb. 2025Los Angeles Metropolitan AreaLead end-to-end live event operations for major clients, including Amazon Prime Video, overseeing production teams, managing high-profile broadcasts, implementing scalable workflows, and ensuring seamless execution through cross-functional coordination and 24/7 operational support. • Report directly to the Head of Operations, Global Media & Entertainment. • Define operational project scopes, develop budgets, and allocate resources for concurrent productions to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. • Collaborate cross-functionally with Creative, Engineering, Sales, Post-Production, and IT teams to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery. • Implement and support emerging production technologies, including cloud-based workflows, live and remote production tools, software, and hardware solutions. • Spearhead workflow improvements and advocate for innovative solutions that reduce costs and enhance operational agility. • Oversee training programs for operational staff, ensuring readiness in new systems and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

FanDuelSenior Director, Broadcast Operations

Aug. 2016 - Aug. 2024Los Angeles, CaliforniaDirected and enhanced broadcast operations with a strategic focus on digital growth and integration of emerging technologies. Managed a $4M budget for technical and operational expenditures for efficient capital allocation. Oversaw comprehensive remote production events, including prestigious horse racing meets and high-profile sports events. Negotiated with production and transmission vendors to secure necessary production facilities. Innovative technologies, such as Azzurro Home Cam and LTN Leaf systems, were implemented to elevate production flexibility. Led and developed a broadcast operations team comprising six managers and 110 employees to support studio and remote programming. • Enhanced production value and cost efficiency by strategically integrating the Azzurro home camera system. • Directed operational planning for FanDuel TV’s Super Bowl Media Week coverage, including set design and transmission strategy. • Boosted production capabilities for significant events, including the Breeders' Cup and Kentucky Derby, by upgrading production trucks and increasing the use of technologies such as Jockey Cam, Drone, and LiveU systems. • Pioneered use of the LTN Leaf system, adding versatility to FanDuel's horse racing and sports productions. • Fostered strong vendor and client relations for seamless broadcast experiences for domestic and international partners.

NFL MediaDirector, Media Operations

Mar. 2008 - Aug. 2016Culver City, CAEstablished and streamlined NFL Media Operations Group by developing workflows and synergies across NFL Films Operations, NFL Network Master Control, Remote Operations, and Culver City studio productions. Directed master transmission plans for NFL Network Programming for seamless technical production activities aligned with strategic objectives. Spearheaded the implementation of the Azzurro HD Team Cam System to provide unparalleled league-wide team access. Managed Stage and Control Room personnel for live programming by coordinating with production and engineering teams to adopt new technologies and operational strategies. • Secured strategic transmission deal with The Switch, expanding fiber services to NFL venues and reducing costs. • Improved access to team activities and lowered transmission expenses via the Azzurro HD Team Cam System across all NFL venues. • Optimized content acquisition and distribution and reduced costs by negotiating critical transmission agreements. • Created and implemented transmission delivery plans for high-profile events like Thursday Night Football, NFL Draft, and Total Access at the Super Bowl. • Played a pivotal role in decreasing reliance on satellite trucks for significant savings in news-gathering operations.

DIRECTVSenior Manager, Broadcast Operations

Sep. 2007 - Mar. 2008Los Angeles, CAManaged monitoring, control, and transmission of over 1,000 News, Sports, and Entertainment channels for optimal service quality. Oversaw capital forecasting and managed a department budget of $6M. Guided a team of 15 Broadcast Supervisors and 65 staff members by instituting a career development planner to foster professional growth within the Broadcast Operations department. • Spearheaded operational launch of DIRECTV's MPEG-4 High-Definition CONUS (HDCONUS) broadcast platform for seamless integration and on-schedule delivery of HD services to U.S. customers. • As the project manager, I oversaw high-profile DIRECTV Sports packages such as NFL Sunday Ticket, NCAA Mega March Madness, and NBA League Pass, demonstrating our commitment to delivering top-notch services. • Achieved consistent audio levels across all channels, significantly improving customer satisfaction with listening experiences. • Authored comprehensive reports on broadcast outages to improve resolution efficiency in collaboration with customer service senior management, leading to minimizing downtime and customer impact.

DIRECTVManager, Broadcast Operations

Jul. 2001 - Sep. 2007Los Angeles, CA• Expanded DIRECTV's market reach and service quality by launching the Spot Beam Local into Local (SLiL) platform. • Recruited and developed a highly competent team for the DIRECTV LABC Sports Operations group. • Through my leadership, I initiated training programs that significantly enhanced the skill set and performance of the broadcast operations personnel.

DIRECTVManager, Program Preparation

Jan. 1999 - Jun. 2001Los Angeles, CA• Built on prior work developing department by focusing on technical and administrative aspects of its operations. • Developed Los Angeles Broadcast Center (LABC) leadership standards in close collaboration with other department heads. • Continued prior collaborations with Castle Rock Broadcast Center (CRBC), LABC Programming Department, and engineering staff to enhance the capabilities of the virtual broadcast environment.

DIRECTVAssistant Manager, Program Preparation

Jan. 1999 - Jun. 2001Los Angeles, CA• Played major role in setup of new broadcast production facility, including hiring of staff and establishing standard procedures for the proper quality assurance and formatting of feature length films and other recorded shows and special events. • Worked closely with external vendors such as Harris Automation and Pinnacle Systems on the proper setup and implantation of their products that would be used in the quality assurance process. Also worked with the vendors on the creation of detailed equipment training programs for the Program Preparation operators in proper use of their systems. • Created detailed delivery specifications for the major studios and other entities contracted to deliver recorded materials to the broadcast center. • Developed and implemented plans for multi-site support in collaboration with internal and external clients, including the LABC Programming Department and Castle Rock Broadcast Center. • Tested and evaluated broadcast and production systems, working with Engineering Department and external vendors.

DIRECTVShift Supervisor, Program Preparation

Aug. 1996 - Dec. 1998Castle Rock, CO• Supervised commercial reel compilation, multi-format dubbing, and technical evaluation and formatting of new program submissions. • Worked closely with department management and Dolby engineering on the testing and implementation of encoding Dolby Digital AC-3 programs for DIRECTV customers. • Evaluated staff development program and helped develop procedures to improve department performance.

DIRECTVProgram Preparation Technician

Dec. 1995 - Aug. 1996Castle Rock, CO• Performed quality checks on commercial reel compilation, multi-format dubbing, evaluated technical specs and formatting of new program submissions. • Entered program information data. • Ensured that programs met NTSC and DIRECTV standards.

United States Air ForceCombat Photographer

Apr. 1984 - Apr. 1994Norton AFB & March AFB, CA• Recognized for exceptional storytelling and cinematography for “Air Force Now,” a monthly news magazine production. • Crafted compelling narratives as lead editor on various high-profile documentary projects. • Contributed to successfully disseminating critical information by producing briefing tapes for top-tier military officials.