Practice makes perfect: Sony on why 2025 will be a year of consolidation

By Norbert Paquet, head of live production at Sony Europe.

As the sports broadcasting industry heads into 2025, the focus shifts from the technological trials and breakthroughs of major events in 2024 to consolidating these innovations into sustainable, scalable practices. With no global spectacles like the Olympics or UEFA Euros on the calendar, the industry is positioned to refine and democratise advancements made during these pivotal moments, making cutting-edge technologies more accessible for daily sports production needs.

Software-defined broadcasting: The foundation of flexibility

2025 is set to see a deeper embrace of software-defined broadcasting, a shift from hardware-dependent workflows to software-centric approaches. This offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling productions to scale infrastructure dynamically, share costs, and sustain operations. Technologies such as IP networks and software solutions, are now essential for improving efficiency across platforms.

The trend towards software-defined systems highlights the growing role of interoperability and open standards, ensuring smoother collaboration between vendors. These frameworks are vital for meeting the increasing demand for remote production, enabling teams to deliver high-quality broadcasts from geographically diverse locations.

Storytelling enhanced through HDR, cinematic look and AI

The push for superior storytelling continues to drive adoption of technologies like HDR, which offers unprecedent visual quality. HDR combined with cinematic look, using large-format sensor cameras where appropriate, provides producers with new ways to bring the emotions of live sports to viewers.

Lastly AI tools enable broadcasters to add new angles and personalise the viewing experience, catering to diverse fandoms.

2025 might see HD HDR gain traction as a complement to 4K for certain broadcasters, platforms, and production companies. It offers an enhanced viewer experience without the steep investments required for full 4K infrastructure, presenting a cost-effective solution that balances quality with efficiency.

Audience reach and bite-sized content

Reaching new fans in 2025 means meeting viewers where they are, often on social media platforms and mobile devices. Short-form, interactive ‘snackable’ content optimised for platforms like TikTok continues to rise. Agile technologies such as 5G and IP-based networks are critical for delivering this content rapidly and efficiently, ensuring broadcasters keep pace with evolving consumption habits.

AI plays a dual role here, not only generating personalised content but also optimising distribution strategies to target audiences with precision.

Sustainability as a driving principle

Sustainability will remain a focus for the industry, driven by heightened environmental awareness and corporate responsibility. Vendors and broadcasters alike are addressing sustainability on two fronts: reducing the environmental impact of their operations and offering technologies that help clients adopt greener practices. For instance, efficient workflows such as remote production and cloud-based tools reduce the need for physical travel and hardware, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.

Recent natural disasters underscore the urgency of sustainability initiatives. Broadcasters now aim to integrate environmentally conscious practices as a standard rather than an exception, ensuring the industry’s resilience in the face of global challenges.

2025: A year of consolidation

While 2024 highlighted the heights of broadcasting innovation, 2025 will focus on embedding these technologies into everyday workflows. It will be a year of refinement and consolidation, with broadcasters leveraging the learnings of high-profile events to enhance day-to-day production. By doing so, the industry ensures that even mid-tier productions can achieve premium quality without the hefty budgets typically associated with marquee events.

Ultimately, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year where the focus shifts from innovation to thoughtful, tangible sustainable integration for the sports industry.

 

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