Building the Future of Sports Broadcasting: An Interview with NFL’s Jason Schroeder

For broadcast engineering, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just technical expertise; it demands vision and adaptability. Few understand this better than Jason Schroeder, a Broadcast Engineer for the National Football League (NFL). Schroeder played a pivotal role in the redesign of the NFL’s broadcasting facilities, making him uniquely qualified to share insights into what it takes to design, build, and operate a state-of-the-art production studio.

Adjacent to SOFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, the custom-built NFL Network Studio hosts live broadcasts, leveraging state-of-the-art technology infrastructure. In our recent interview, Schroeder delved into the intricacies of modern broadcast workflow design, shedding light on the critical role of open-mindedness, the importance of robust and flexible infrastructure, and how the NFL has adapted to new remote and hybrid workflows in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Download the workflow diagram presented by Jason Schroeder in the video.

The Foundation of a Cutting-Edge Facility

When asked about the foundational steps in constructing a broadcast production facility, Schroeder emphasized the importance of versatility and preparedness. “I design with whatever is the best tool for the job. I don’t have a specific dog in the fight,” he explained. “I always go in with an open mind on what can work and what doesn’t.”

From the outset, the planning process involves several critical considerations: the number of cameras, expected media volume, turnaround time, and deadlines. “You fit all of those things into a technical picture and see if your budget can meet the needs of this production,” Schroeder noted. This principle applies whether you’re planning a small-scale shoot or managing hundreds of systems for an extensive operation like the NFL.

Before Schroder’s tenure, the onset of the pandemic presented unique challenges and opportunities for broadcasters. Midway through the NFL’s facility redesign, the world shifted towards remote workflows, prompting a reevaluation of their approach. The NFL developed an all-remote workflow that involved PC over IP. While highly effective, this initial remote setup came at a high cost. For Schroder and team, the experience underscored the need for a more sustainable and internally managed solution. The goal was to ensure secure, reliable remote access to production equipment—a necessity in today’s decentralized work environment.

Architecting a User-Centric Experience

For Schroeder, the ultimate measure of success lies in the user experience. With an art background, not an engineering degree, Schroeder’s unique perspective prioritizes the needs of creatives. “I start everything with the user experience. What are we trying to give the editor? What does the user expect when they sit down to work?” This approach eliminates interruptions and ensures a seamless, intuitive workflow, creating an environment where innovation and productivity thrive.

 “I start everything with the user experience. What are we trying to give the editor? What does the user expect when they sit down to work?” — Jason Schroeder, Broadcast Engineer, National Football League (NFL)

A key element in achieving this seamless operation is OpenDrive’s data and content storage platform, Atlas. The platform empowers users to work collaboratively and efficiently, regardless of their location or preferred tools. “OpenDrives provided just what the NFL needed,” said Schroeder, highlighting the value of strong, collaborative relationships in creating successful outcomes.

Atlas plays a crucial role in supporting the NFL’s complex, real-time virtualized, remote, and hybrid workflows. By facilitating secure and robust data handling, Atlas ensures that the NFL’s production network can accommodate both internal and remote clients without compromising on performance or security.

To download the workflow diagram presented by Jason Schroeder in the video, please fill out the form below.

Conclusion: The Future of Broadcast Engineering

Schroeder’s insights underscore a broader trend in the industry: the need for flexibility, innovation, and a user-centric approach. By embracing these principles, the NFL has not only navigated the challenges of the pandemic but also set a new standard for broadcast production.

The lessons learned from the NFL’s experience will undoubtedly inform future projects across the industry. For those embarking on similar journeys, Schroeder’s advice is clear: keep an open mind, prioritize the user experience, and leverage collaborative technologies to build resilient and adaptable workflows.

For those looking to explore the potential of innovative data and content storage solutions, consider partnering with OpenDrives to empower your team and enhance your business outcomes. If you're interested in exploring innovative data and content storage solutions, talk to us about how OpenDrives can empower your team and boost your business outcomes.