Celebrating a Decade of Innovation: Telstra Broadcast Services Turns 10

Ten years ago, a bold vision reshaped the media services landscape in Australia and beyond. In September 2015, following Telstra’s acquisition of Globecast Australia, the business was relaunched as Telstra Broadcast Services (TBS)—a strategic move that integrated Globecast’s managed service expertise with Telstra’s global network infrastructure.

The acquisition was a natural progression to strengthen Telstra’s leadership in broadcast, as media services have long been embedded in Telstra’s DNA. Telstra’s role in broadcasting the moon landing over 50 years ago is well documented, and its track record includes delivering connectivity for complex events such as the Mariana Trench expedition and countless major international sporting events. With this heritage, investing in innovation and expanding media delivery capabilities was a strategic move to complement Telstra’s existing infrastructure and global network. That synergy became the foundation for TBS’s success. Over the first five years, TBS secured every major broadcaster in Australia as a customer, including regional networks, while expanding its international footprint far beyond its original focus on Australia and New Zealand.

Today, TBS operates as a truly global media services provider, delivering live sport events, and broadcast solutions across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The team’s entrepreneurial spirit has enabled TBS to punch well above its weight, carving out a niche in reliable event contribution and distribution.

Reflecting on the early days, Karen Clark, CEO, TBS notes, “It was a time of big ideas and even bigger ambitions. We knew the industry was changing fast, and we wanted to help shape its future—not just keep up with it.” The willingness to take risks and provide strong, visionary leadership has been central to TBS’s journey. Clark recalls, “Former CEO Andreas Eriksson truly stands out as a disruptor—strategic, entrepreneurial, and fearless in his approach. He consistently pushed me and the team beyond our comfort zones, challenging us to think differently and embrace change, and we all grew under his leadership.’’

Among TBS’s most significant achievements over the past decade are its transformational international agreements and technological innovations. Signing with major sporting leagues for multiple seasons marked a turning point, elevating TBS’s profile on the global stage and cementing its reputation as a trusted partner in international sports broadcasting. Domestically, the collaboration with local broadcasters and the introduction of the Distributed Production Network (DPN) represented a significant step forward for Australian broadcasting, enabling more efficient and flexible coverage of live events. Additionally, strategic integrations with platforms such as Deluxe Media Cloud and the BT Media have expanded TBS’s technological capabilities and global reach.

Stephen Dargham, Head of Business Development, Major Events says, ‘‘I’ve been with Telstra for over 40 years, and working in Telstra Global Media and Data Services was where it all started for me. Those experiences laid the foundation for what TBS has become today. The Globecast acquisition wasn’t just a business decision—it was a natural evolution built on decades of expertise and a shared passion for connecting audiences.’’

In addition to transformative deals, one of TBS’s greatest success factors has been its ability to forge strong partnerships—both within Telstra and across the global media ecosystem. These collaborations have enabled TBS to deliver complex solutions for broadcasters and event organisers worldwide. From technology partners to operational alliances, these relationships have been instrumental in driving innovation and scale.

“Partnerships are at the heart of what we do at TBS. Working closely with Telstra teams and global media partners lets us deliver smarter, faster, and at scale.’’ Says Kristi Gale, Partner Manager, TBS. ‘‘These relationships turn challenges into real solutions for broadcasters and event organisers.”

Beyond technology and contracts, TBS’s success story is powered by its people.;

“We’ve built a culture where we have each other’s backs,” says Clark. “In a demanding 24/7 industry, that sense of unity and commitment is everything. We’re in the trenches together, and that plays out every day.”

This collaborative spirit has kept leaders and team members deeply engaged—many well beyond their expected tenure—driven by passion, resilience, and a shared vision.

As TBS marks its 10th anniversary, this milestone reflects a journey built on collaboration, innovation, and strong partnerships. From its beginnings as Globecast Australia to its evolution within Telstra, TBS has grown by embracing change and remaining agile. Looking ahead, by listening to customers, working closely with partners, and nurturing a culture of service excellence, our focus will remain on delivering trusted media solutions to the industry we love.

In the words of Mark Strachan, Chief Product Officer, “We’re not just adapting to the future—we’re defining it. Our mission is to lead the next wave of media transformation through intelligent networks, cloud-native workflows, and automation at scale. The goal is simple: empower global storytelling with speed, resilience, and limitless possibilities.”