Lisa Collins Dovetail Creative Ltd/Media Tech Sustainability Series Managing director/co-founder
What do you think has been one of the most exciting tech trends to emerge from 2023? It has been great to see the industry-wide commitment to sustainable broadcasting become more prominent this year. Companies aren’t merely adopting green tech solutions but are integrating ESG principles at the core of their business strategies. It’s not just about reducing the carbon footprint any more; it’s about aligning industry objectives with global sustainability goals to ensure a holistic approach to responsible delivery. Favourite product launch? One product launch that truly caught my attention was Videndum’s new sodium- powered generator. In an industry that’s constantly searching for sustainable power solutions, especially for on- location shoots and remote broadcasting,
Are there ethical aspects of the industry that you feel have improved in 2023? There’s been a marked increase in the industry’s commitment to sustainability. We’ve seen companies invest in energy- efficient infrastructure and adopt eco- friendly production techniques. What are you most excited for in 2024? The intersection of technology, sustainability and collaboration is opening up unprecedented horizons. I’m looking forward to the rise of AI-driven sustainability analytics. By analysing behaviour, consumption patterns and infrastructure efficiency, we can formulate strategies that are both viewer-centric and environmentally conscious. The collaborations and partnerships forming in this space exemplify the potential of a united front in driving change.
Videndum’s approach promises both efficiency and environmental responsibility. The potential of harnessing sodium, a readily available resource, for powering broadcasts, is an exciting step towards a more sustainable and energy- resilient industry. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of R&D, as evidenced by this launch, sets a commendable precedent. What’s one key lesson from 2023 you will be taking into 2024? Partnership and collaboration are indispensable. In 2023, I’ve observed that the most impactful sustainability initiatives were birthed from collaborative efforts. Broadcasters, tech providers, content creators – and even viewers – coming together to drive change reinforces the idea that the path to a sustainable future is a collective journey.
Marie-Véronique Lacaze Witbe Co-founder/president
Offering powerful features that provide an added value is also important to viewers. Options like personalised searching, relevant advertising and unique interactivity all help services stand out. We’ve also seen in 2023 that real-time live events are still an important part of pop culture, and advancements in tech and networks have now enabled OTT to properly broadcast these events on a worldwide scale. Are there ethical aspects of the industry that you feel have improved in 2023? More people have started considering the use of their personal data in a positive way. When services are trying so hard to personally target you and determine exactly what they think you want to watch, you become
more aware of how your preferences and data are being collected. Additionally, it shines a spotlight on the way that broadcasters use that data. What are you most excited for in the next year? I’m excited for the possibilities that could be made real via the internet. Imagine search engines that know your preferences like an old friend. Imagine videos where you can pause and select on-screen elements to learn more about them. Personally, I’ve been considering all the potential connections emerging between research, education, entertainment and gaming. We’ve seen glimpses of it this year, and it could pave the way for an entirely new way of learning, giving users real freedom at the same time.
What do you think has been one of the most exciting tech trends to emerge from 2023? It’s been exciting to see streaming video mature and become its own thing, not just IPTV or a virtual copy of a linear model. Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (also known as HLS) technology has opened up a new realm of possibilities for content. As the streaming landscape evolves, opportunities for interactivity and innovation expand. Favourite product launch? I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the success of YouTube’s ad-free subscription this year. It’s impressive how it’s handled advertising on its platform: not overwhelming
and discouraging the viewer with too many ads yet still having enough to offer a paid alternative. Without producing original content, YouTube has managed to make an essential subscription service by offering a superior quality of experience, a reliable search engine and many other features – always keeping the user benefits as a priority. What’s one key lesson from 2023 that you will be taking into 2024? The services that survive are the ones that consistently offer a first-class quality of experience. With so many options for what to watch, services that deliver reliable service across all devices are more likely to remain relevant.
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