Riedel MediorNet streamlines DNC convention media coverage

Riedel Communications has reported that its MediorNet real-time network was successfully deployed by East Shore Sound to support Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” during its coverage of the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

The flexible MediorNet infrastructure streamlined operations, reduced setup time, and enabled efficient resource sharing across multiple locations.

“The Daily Show” faced tight setup times at the Athenaeum Centre for Thought & Culture in Chicago for the DNC. This beautiful historic venue, built in 1911 for opera, dance, orchestral, and dramatic productions, presented some unique space considerations. 

MediorNet’s distributed routing capabilities allowed the production team to overcome these challenges, with the network providing access to content sources across dispersed locations within the facility, including basements, main studio floors, and production offices on upper floors.

The MediorNet deployment included one MediorNet Modular frame, nine MediorNet Compact Pro frames, one MetroN signal distribution platform, 10 software-enabled MicroN high-density signal interface nodes and 16 RCP2300 panels with the MediorNet Control App. 

Pre-configuration of the routing panels enabled the team to set up the system as soon as they arrived at the venue, allowing them to start 95% of the way toward completion and significantly reducing on-site setup time from several days to approximately one-and-a-half days. 

The system also facilitated 24/7 access to content for post-production teams without requiring broadcast trucks and engineering crews to remain on-site overnight, leading to more efficient scheduling, reduced overtime costs, and improved quality of life for the engineers. The system’s inherent redundancy also ensured uninterrupted signal flow, even in the event of link failures, by automatically rerouting signals through available bandwidth in the network.

“The two most obvious benefits of MediorNet were reliability and flexibility,” said Sean Kelley, Technical Manager for “The Daily Show’s” convention coverage in Chicago. “It turned out to be incredibly flexible and reliable. Due to the way the show was produced, we ended up using the MediorNet for the main transmission of the show throughout the week.

“It’s my new favourite toy!”