Just a year ago, the first brick of Mediacité was laid in Liège, announcing the start of the works. In the line of these large construction sites, the RTBF unveiled its new logistics pole in Rhisnes. The building is set up to accommodate all the mobile studio's of the public broadcaster (from Vivacité's broadcast trucks to the all-terrain vehicles for sports events) and symbolizes the modernisation process of the RTBF's tools and patrimony.

“This modernisation,” explains Jean-François Raskin, president of the RTBF Board of Directors, during the inauguration this past Tuesday, “was carried out following three broad outlines. First, the personnel. The 2200 RTBF employees have had to adapt to technological evolutions and the work methods that go along with these. Secondly, the material. Digital has become inevitable and all tools have been replaced to keep up with evolutions, bringing along both a change in trades and a larger convergence between the media. Finally, the properties. The premises had to be adapted to these new demands.” For the last outline, there were two possible solutions: either use the old space, which would mean large investments, or build new premises. The second option was chosen.

And thus, in the heart of Wallonia, the logistics centre of Rhisnes arose, thanks to aid by the Province of Namur, the local and intermunicipal authorities and the Walloon Region by intermediary of FERI (Financier of business and building renovation – click for more information).

“In 2003, we noticed the following: the material had become obsolete,” continues Jean-Paul Philippot. “The public broadcaster then took the risk of investing to sustain the use and development of technology within the company itself.” The executive director of the RTBF insists on the capacity of adaptation, the multimodality and will to specialise of the new instruments, with as possible prospect working in 3D soon... “Today we work to set up the standards of tomorrow.”

The property operation was carried out swiftly since the terrain was bought in October 2007. “We wanted to create a space which was both user-friendly and respectful for the environment,” added Emmanuel Robben, facilities manager at the RTBF. The building is equipped with solar panels and a water recovery tank. There will also be an adapted management of lighting, ventilation and heating.

Another ambition of the logistics centre in Rhisnes: continue to produce numerous shows in the field, outside of the walls. “The site is situated in the middle of a road network, and assembles all the mobile production crews,” concludes Cécile Gonfroid, General Manager Technology and Operations. “But these crews are made to be out in the field as much as possible.” Apparently it wasn't very easy to find a date on which all the vehicles were present to celebrate the event...

As soon as September, almost 90 people will work on site. More than a new tool, the site of Rhisnes symbolizes above all the modernisation of the RTBF, an evolution which comes at the right time to respond to the needs of this day and age.