TVBS, a leading Taiwanese media organization, achieved a significant milestone in international journalism by being the only Taiwanese media granted access to report from inside the Sagrada Família during the historic blessing and inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ in Barcelona. The ceremony, which took place last month, marked the completion of the central spire of architect Antoni Gaudí's masterwork after 144 years of construction. TVBS partnered with Japan's NHK, which has documented the basilica's construction for decades, to provide live coverage of the event.
The collaboration underscores Taiwan's growing presence in global media. TVBS crews filmed in areas rarely accessible to the media, including the crypt where Gaudí is buried, architectural workshops, and key structural sections of the basilica. The team conducted interviews with architects and experts involved in the project during preparations for the inauguration ceremony. Construction on the church began in 1882, one year before Gaudí took over as chief architect.
Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling joined the reporting team as a cultural ambassador, meeting with architects and experts to explore the basilica through the perspectives of architecture, aesthetics, and cultural heritage. Her involvement added a cultural dimension to the coverage beyond conventional architectural reporting.
The coverage brought together partners from Taiwan's technology and financial sectors. HTC, through its VIVE Arts initiative, contributed its immersive experience "Gaudí, the Atelier of the Divine." The virtual reality program allows audiences to explore Gaudí's architectural world in new ways, transcending geographical and physical boundaries. TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., which has long supported arts and cultural exchange, sponsored the live broadcast, citing values of integrity, innovation, and sustainability.
TVBS integrated AI-powered real-time translation technology throughout the live coverage, facilitating multilingual communication across international production teams. The project showcased Taiwan's ability to connect industries and communities across borders. Together, TVBS, NHK, HTC, and TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd. documented a defining milestone in the Sagrada Família's history.
This event not only highlights the completion of Gaudí's vision but also demonstrates the importance of cross-sector collaboration in bringing cultural milestones to global audiences. For more information, visit TVBS.
