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Press at the Africa Eco Race

Every sporting event aims to be visible in the media. Public attention largely determines the value of the event. That is why a media team of around 25 people is present at the Africa Eco Race. Daily, content is produced, including a 15-minute summary. This is narrated in multiple languages. Rob Steltman, known for his distinctive radio voice, provides the Dutch version. Naturally, the video is also shared on our platform. Steltman also records interviews for Ziggo, Grand Prix Radio, and the organization. After the rally, the subscription channel will broadcast a special program.

Compared to traditional media like television, information sharing via social media and online platforms plays an increasingly important role. The speed at which news can be disseminated is far greater than through radio or television. The days when you had to sit by the TV at a specific time to catch a glimpse of Jan de Rooy, Pierre Karsmakers, or Kees and Mieke Tijsterman are long gone.

The technology used to capture footage has also improved significantly. Aerial images have been around for a while, but with the use of specialized drones, the possibilities now seem limitless. However, the downside of modern media channels is that people need to know how to find them. Generations that grew up with television as their window to the world are less familiar, or not familiar at all, with accessing news via online channels. It is not part of their routine to consume news in that way. Younger generations, on the other hand, are the opposite and look puzzled when they hear about an old phenomenon like the TV guide.

The biggest challenge at the moment is the lack of reliable Wi-Fi coverage in the vast and sparsely populated areas where the rally takes place. Especially in Mauritania, it’s often a case of: “Where the wind blows, so goes my Wi-Fi.”

A consistent backbone of rally reporting is photography. Every day, a group of photographers, divided across multiple press vehicles, heads to the stage to capture the action in still images. Once on-site, each photographer sets out on foot to find a good and safe spot to photograph the action. This is work for specialists, such as our own Tim Buitenhuis.

In the bivouac, the day’s stories are often freshly captured with cameras and microphones directly from the mouths of the rally drivers. Until late at night, the party tent that doubles as a press tent buzzes with activity. Here, videos are edited, photos are uploaded, sorted, and, if needed, edited before being sent to the media and teams. The daily summary and voice-over are produced in a dedicated editing trailer. Thus, a whole machinery is in place to ensure the visibility of the Africa Eco Race. At RallyTracks, we proudly contribute to this effort.