Work methods for complying with the EBU R 128 recommendation in live TV broadcasts

Abstract: In order to investigate what work methods professional audio engineers use to comply with the EBU R 128 recommendation in live TV broadcasts, an interview study was conducted. The purpose of the study was to provide novice and professional engineers with information about what work methods to use when trying to comply with the current loudness standards in live situations. Furthermore, the study may also contribute with new perspectives to the already existing production guidelines developed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Five professional audio engineers from the TV broadcasting industry were interviewed. The subjects in this study suggest another way of measuring the loudness of live broadcasted music shows. Instead of measuring the whole program, the subjects argue that loudness measurements of the dialogue may be a more appropriate measurement method. Furthermore, a widening of the tolerance window of the EBU R 128 recommendation is suggested for music shows. The current tolerance window of  1 LU needs to be expanded to  1.5-2 LU, according to the subjects in this study and for music shows in particular.