EBU to spearhead policy and innovation network with EU-funded MediaRoad project

The MediaRoad project aspires to reawaken a ‘start-up mentality’ in the media sector, reshaping the way organisations collaborate and deploy new ideas in the market. Augmented and virtual reality, robot journalism and 5G as well as future research policy priorities for the media sector are just some of the ‘tomorrow’s world’ topics this EU-funded project will touch upon.

The EBU will lead a consortium in which some of Europe’s most prominent broadcasters (BBC, RAI, VRT, Association of European Radios) will work alongside leading media research institutes (IRT, EPFL, IMEC) and independent producers (CEPI TV). The ‘MediaRoad’ project consortium will work closely with the creative sector to help innovative concepts mature for market deployment and formulate common recommendations for future media policies.

It draws upon existing initiatives developed by EBU Members on how to innovate with start-ups and SMEs. Projects like BBC ‘Taster’ have created unique conditions to experiment with new ideas as well as test and scale promising concepts in operational environments. Supporting the launch of similar ‘innovation incubators’ across Europe is a key aspect of the project.

Project partners will also develop a long-term policy vision for the future of the audiovisual and radio sector as well as social media, covering areas such as the EU research agenda, data, 5G, security, immersive media, investment and training. In order to bridge media innovation with future policy priorities, the project will create a broad and diverse network where the European media and creative sector can come together around technological and R&D opportunities.

The MediaRoad project is fully funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme. It will officially begin on 1 September 2017 for a duration of 2 years, with a launch event to take place early October.

EBU Head of European Affairs Nicola Frank: “I believe that this project will help the media sector rekindle a ‘start-up mentality’. We will help turn EU diversity into opportunities, supporting organisations to become more competitive and innovative, so that ultimately, they will be able to give audiences even better content, better delivered.”