Challenges on the horizon: Equalising media coverage and navigating the horizon with Videe
An Imagine Platinum IP3 matrix is at the heart of Videe’s OBX 4K HDR OB truck
By Paola Montanari, Videe CEO.
Women’s and emerging sports are shaping the future of sports broadcasting. In the light of changing consumer preferences, rapid advancements in technology and the need to address pressing societal issues, the sporting landscape has evolved and reshaped enormously in recent years. The trend will gain more and more force in the near future.
Sport has always been a way to bring people together and to spread the culture of respect. Diversity and inclusion are critical components of a healthy and thriving society; when it comes to the sport ecosystems, they are essential to creating level playing fields for all and to combating discrimination and prejudice.
Opportunities for growth and innovation are though strictly bound to media and broadcast attention and investments, the true game changers. Figures show that diversity and inclusion have economic benefits since they open up new prospects for development and revenue. By embracing them, sports organisations can actually tap into new markets, expand their fan base and attract sponsors and partners.
Equalising media coverage
The same applies to emerging sports, which in recent years have significantly expanded their business across new and emerging media platforms worldwide. Efforts to equalise media coverage of women’s and emerging sports have proven to be definitely successful. With proper investment, media buy-in and quality broadcast, women’s and emerging sports have the ability to be incredibly profitable since they captivate more and more audiences.
For sports events to be successful, they need to generate excitement. This is forcing organisations and media to take a more sophisticated approach making the industry more attractive for investors, more immersive for fans and more supportive of athletes.
Fans are looking for more personalised and immersive experiences and they demand a greater level of engagement, indeed. Technology seems to have an answer to every challenge. Sports technology is evolving rapidly and new technologies (ie, virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligecvne (AI), wearable devices, cloud-based production, simultaneous video ratio innovation) are being developed to generate excitement and gain momentum around sports events. Broadcasts, streaming, social media, digital publications and platforms are all involved to deliver impactful coverage of sports.
Navigating the horizon
As a technical broadcast service provider, it is both exhilarating and challenging to witness the seamless integration of AI, cloud-based production, and simultaneous different video ratio production to be broadcast on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. These advancements are going to revolutionise the way content is created, delivered, and experienced.
AI, the vanguard of innovation
At the forefront of this revolution stands AI. It’s not just a tool, but a collaborator, enhancing creativity and efficiency in ways previously unimaginable. One of the most prominent applications is in content curation. AI algorithms can analyze viewer preferences, predict trends, and suggest content that resonates with specific demographics. This streamlines the content creation process and ensures that broadcasters can precisely cater to their audience.
AI-driven automation is also allowing broadcasters to redirect human resources to more creative endeavors, thus elevating the overall production value while reducing operational costs.
With an eye on professional development, a matter of some concern when framing an AI broadcasting future is the lack of training possibilities for young people who require specialised skills and functions that will be automated by artificial intelligence. At the same time, an issue to be questioned is if automation increases the quantity of work produced but not really the quality and how a disruption would affect the daily tasks.
Cloud-based production
The cloud is the backbone of modern television broadcasting, liberating content creators from the constraints of physical infrastructure. Cloud-based production is redefining workflows, fostering collaboration, and enabling broadcasters to scale their operations dynamically.
One of the pivotal advantages of cloud-based production is its flexibility, which lets content creators access resources and collaborate seamlessly from anywhere in the world.
Accessibility and scalability ensure that historical footage, archives, and multimedia assets are readily available, contributing to more comprehensive storytelling and enriched viewer experiences.
However, the exponential growth in requests for cloud-based productions urge us to pay attention to cybersecurity.
Simultaneous different video ratio production
As Videe clients are more and more requiring to go beyond traditional linear channels to encompass a multitude of digital platforms, the need for simultaneous different video ratio production has become paramount. Viewers consume content on a variety of devices, each with its unique display specifications. Adapting to these diverse platforms is essential for maintaining engagement and relevance.
By simultaneously producing content in various aspect ratios, broadcasters can optimize their material for different platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. This not only enhances the viewer experience but also maximises reach and engagement across a broad spectrum of audiences.
The integration of AI into this process further refines the adaptation of content for different ratios. AI algorithms can analyse user behaviour on each platform, suggesting optimal video ratios and above all what is the image portion where the action takes place in order to crop and move the image in the best way.
Synergy of technologies
The true magic happens when these technologies converge, creating a synergy that transcends the sum of its parts. Imagine an AI-driven, cloud-based production system that not only automates routine tasks but also learns from user interactions and adapts content in real-time for various video ratios.
Such a system could revolutionise live broadcasting, seamlessly adjusting the presentation format based on the viewer’s device and preferences. The integration of cloud-based production ensures that the necessary resources are readily available, while AI fine-tunes the content delivery to maximise impact.
This synergy extends beyond production to audience engagement. AI algorithms could personalise content recommendations and advertising in real time, creating a hyper-personalised viewing experience. This not only enhances viewer satisfaction but also opens up new revenue streams for broadcasters through targeted advertising.
Challenges on the horizon
The future looks promising but it is essential to acknowledge and address the challenges that come with these advancements. Privacy concerns, data security, and ethical considerations in AI-driven content creation demand careful navigation. It is actually crucial to strike a balance between innovation and responsible use.
Skilled craftsmanship and conscious professionalism make human beings unique and should always be preserved. The ability to take care of the product down to the smallest details and to adapt to whatever situation is something impossible for artificial intelligence to develop and simulate.
The journey ahead is filled with opportunities. As we navigate this horizon, the promise of a more immersive, personalised, and engaging television experience beckons us forward.