Taiwan's TVBS achieved a historic media milestone last month by becoming the only Taiwanese media organization granted access to report from inside Barcelona's Sagrada Família during the blessing and inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ. The ceremony completed the central spire of architect Antoni Gaudí's masterwork after 144 years of construction, drawing global attention to one of the world's most visited cultural landmarks.
TVBS partnered with Japan's NHK, which has documented the basilica's construction for decades, to provide live coverage. This collaboration built on NHK's long-standing relationship of trust with the Sagrada Família's team, enabling joint access to areas rarely seen by media. TVBS crews filmed in the crypt where Gaudí is buried, architectural workshops, and key structural sections, and conducted interviews with architects and experts involved in the project.
The coverage was enhanced by the involvement of Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling as a cultural ambassador. Lin met with architects and experts to explore the basilica through the perspectives of architecture, aesthetics, and cultural heritage, adding a cultural dimension beyond conventional architectural reporting.
The project 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," a virtual reality program that allows audiences to explore Gaudí's architectural world beyond geographical 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 cross-sector collaboration showcased Taiwan's ability to connect industries and communities across borders, extending cultural advocacy onto the international stage.
The significance of this coverage lies in its demonstration of Taiwan's growing presence in global media and cultural exchange. By documenting a defining milestone in the Sagrada Família's history, TVBS, NHK, HTC, and TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., together connected the 144-year architectural endeavor to audiences in Taiwan and Chinese-speaking communities worldwide. This event highlights the potential for Taiwanese media to participate in major international cultural events, leveraging technology and partnerships to bring global stories to local audiences.
