FIVB bids to take TV production in-house

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has outlined plans to create an in-house television production unit.

The plan was put forward by the FIVB TV and New Media Commission during the federation’s 34th World Congress, which concluded on Saturday in Cagliari, Italy.

The commission also proposed changes to the way the sport is broadcast. This included adapting volleyball courts to bring fans closer to the action through reducing the length of the free zone to 6.5 metres instead of eight metres.

Fernando Lima, president of the Commission, stressed the importance of television in the continued growth of the sport and also suggested that volleyball matches should be played for no longer than two hours in an effort to maintain appeal among fans and draw in new supporters without losing the interest of broadcasters.