ITV adopts AI to streamline captioning workflows

ITV has struck a deal with AI-Media for the use of AI captioning technology to enhance accessibility and operational efficiency across ITV’s extensive broadcast network.

David Padmore, director of accessibility for ITV, said: “At ITV, we are constantly seeking innovative solutions to improve our services and meet the diverse needs of our audience.

“Working with AI-Media has allowed us to take advantage of cutting-edge AI to streamline our captioning workflows while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.”

The partnership centres on the deployment of AI-Media’s LEXI live automatic captioning solution, which integrates with ITV’s existing infrastructure.

The collaborative effort between AI-Media and ITV has resulted in a technology architecture tailored to the broadcaster’s complex requirements, including its 18 regional news variants, AI-Media said.

The solution will utilise AI Media’s SDI Encoder Pro Cards to deliver LEXI captioning as VANC embedded data into ITV’s existing architecture and will be operated by ITV’s Access Services team. AI Media’s Alta product will also be used for ITVX and other IP video workflows.

Traditionally, ITV’s regional news captioning involved a manual workflow with significant staffing requirements. The shift to automation through AI-Media’s LEXI is expected to dramatically impact resourcing, leading to significant efficiencies and cost reductions, according to AI-Media.

The automation of workflows allows ITV to provide more captions, enhancing accessibility for its viewers. Additionally, the LEXI system’s increased reliability and reduced latency are expected to improve the overall quality of service.

The move to automated workflows allows ITV to offer more regional news captions, ultimately benefiting a broader audience.

“ITV chose AI-Media because of our robust infrastructure and the ability to deploy LEXI in complex broadcast environments. Our experience in delivering captions in highly regulated markets and our strong relationships with regulatory bodies like Ofcom, ACMA, and FCC were significant factors in their decision,” said John Peck, VP of International Sales at AI-Media.

“This partnership not only enhances ITV’s operational efficiency but also confirms their position as forward-thinking innovators in the European access services community.”