At the European Games in June 2015 in Baku, accredited journalists could well find themselves a little lost, or at least lacking direction, when carrying out their first interviews. At the initiative of Jayne Pearce, consultant on media operations for the organizing committee, the continental event will innovate by replacing the traditional mixed zone with a new concept. Its name: I-zone.
In principle, this “I-zone” differs little from a classic mixed zone. It will remain the meeting place between the media and the athletes once the competition is over. An essential space, and most often unique, for carrying out interviews, written or audiovisual, on the site of the event itself.
In fact, the concept proposed by the Baku 2015 European Games turns out to be very innovative and, let's admit it, rather well thought out. At least on paper. Unlike a classic mixed zone, where competitors and journalists are separated by a railing, some confined to one side, others massed on the other, the I-zone is designed as a sort of discussion room. Inside, there is not the slightest barrier of separation, but an open space where benches will be installed here and there to sit on to carry out an interview.
Advantages? Many. Firstly, the possibility of talking face to face with an athlete, sitting down, taking the time to exchange. The prospect, also, of being able to isolate yourself with a competitor, away from the noise. The opportunity, finally, to benefit from more comfortable listening conditions than in a mixed zone, where it is often difficult to understand the participants' responses.
Clarification: it will be possible for reporters present on a site to ask the European Games media teams to bring one or more specific athletes to the I-zone. Others, unsolicited, will not be required to attend. A seemingly judicious way to avoid unnecessary clutter. It will also be possible to carry out video interviews in the I-zone, including for media that do not hold the rights to the European Games.
Jayne Pearce explains, the European Games in Baku will constitute a form of “full-scale test” for a concept which could subsequently be used in other major international competitions. “The number of journalists accredited for Baku 2015 (around 1300), and the very nature of the event, allow this innovation,” explains the British consultant, former press chief for the London Games in 2012. We will not have Michael Phelps nor Usain Bolt. Such a context offers us a great opportunity to shake up habits and offer journalists more comfortable working conditions. » An I-zone was tested, in real configuration, during the Gymnastics World Cup organized in Baku last March (our photo). A test deemed conclusive.
Another novelty: the absence of a main press center and the traditional press conferences of medalists. “Journalists can now work from almost anywhere, thanks to the (free) wifi network in all sites,” explains Jayne Pearce. Each of the competition venues will be equipped with a press center. And we also have one planned at the media village. » As for the medalists' press conferences, often too formal and rigid to be interesting, their elimination should allow athletes to stay longer in the I-zone.
