The autumn issue of FEED is our IBC special, offering an in-depth show guide that features tips and tricks ahead of this year's show. We also delve into the architecture of contemporary newsrooms, providing insights into their design, functionality and challenges faced. The issue also takes a look behind the scenes of major sports events like the Padel World Tour and the Tour de France, showcasing the broadcast operations delivering them to global audiences. Additionally, we examine the convergence of broadcast technology into the AV space, highlighting innovations that are shaping the future of audiovisual media.
feedmagazine.tv | AUTUMN 2025
IBC 2025: Your show guide
Streaming sensation: Women’s Euros Reality TV special
Exploring the future of media technology
Get the inside scoop on the media mechanics of a 21st-century newsroom BREAKING NEWS!
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Happy IBC! ccording to IBC’s organisers, television, with this year’s show both celebrating and reflecting on the past 100 years of innovation. It comes down to what you count as the true ‘birth’ of broadcast, as television arguably didn’t just appear overnight. Similar to the media-tech industry as we know it today, TV evolved through a series of inventions and projects. Like the chicken and the egg, it’s hard to know what should be considered the ‘start’. But, for those celebrating this year, it felt fitting to explore broadcast’s most focal formats for the autumn issue of FEED . Our IBC issue steps inside the 21st-century newsroom, looking back to its humble beginnings and investigating the technology powering it today. Speaking of IBC, don’t miss our annual show guide, found on page 18, which picks out the topics, talks and booths that you won't want to miss out on this year. For our Genius Interview, we get talking to DPP CEO and founder, Mark 2025 marks the much- debated centenary of A
EDITORIAL
EDITOR Verity Butler +44 (0)1223 492246 veritybutler@bright.uk.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nicola Foley SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Harrison. He shares why it’s integral for the industry to collaborate in order to stay ahead of its many exciting trends and challenging curveballs. When it comes to trends, one that can hardly go unnoticed is the continued blurring of media sector lines, as discussed by Paul Bray in his piece on broadcast AV on page 54. Also, we go behind the technological scenes of some of television’s most outrageous reality shows on page 66, learning all about the innovations bringing these iconic moments to life. Over in Xtreme , we’re donning our finest gilets and finance bro backpacks to find out exactly what’s got everyone so excited over padel. Plus, as the Lionesses brought home yet another Women’s Euros trophy, Katie Kasperson talks to the tech vendors and streaming giants that helped deliver this year’s tournament on page 94. But before you get to all of that, be sure to turn to page six for a very special FEED announcement. Let’s just say we have been exceptionally busy over the last eight months. FEED chapter two loading…
Katie Kasperson FEATURES WRITER Oliver Webb
CHIEF SUB EDITOR Matthew Winney SUB EDITORS Zanna Buckland & Chris Young CONTRIBUTOR Paul Bray
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CONTENTS AUTUMN 2025
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SPORTS REPORTER All the latest headlines and launches from the thriving sports media space
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UEFA WOMEN’S EURO 2025 The Lionesses brought the Euros trophy home again. Learn how it was broadcast
FEED: A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT It’s been a busy few months here at FEED HQ. We’re excited to share everything we’ve been working on!
NEWSROOMS Broadcast wouldn’t be broadcast without news. Discover the tools and tech powering today’s newsrooms
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PADEL MANIA! Everyone’s talking about padel, and broadcasters are starting to pay attention
NEWSFEED The latest scoops in media tech, featuring everything from fresh product launches to major mergers
GENIUS INTERVIEW Meet Mark Harrison. He founded and runs the DPP and is passionate about bringing the industry closer together
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BROADCAST AV: MERGING SECTORS As sector lines become ever-blurred, broadcast tech is increasingly being used in our everyday lives
TOUR DE FRANCE Breaking down the production for one of broadcast’s hardest- to-cover sporting events
IBC 2025: SHOW GUIDE TV is turning 100, making this year’s show extra poignant. Don’t miss our guide before braving the RAI floor!
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REALITY TV FOCUS Some of the most infamous and iconic moments come from reality TV. Here’s how the shows are made
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CELLULAR BROADCAST From the Olympics to Dior’s runway, 5G technology has forever redefined live broadcast workflows
START-UP SNAPSHOTS 28 Retrograde 53 EdMon 101 PlaySafe ID
This month’s cover was designed by Carl Golsby at Bright Publishing
WELCOME TO
L aunched with a disruptive bang back in 2018, the team at Bright Publishing built FEED on the premise of offering a fresh perspective on broadcast technology, telling media tech’s story in a confident, creative new way. Thanks to our striking, iconic design, thoughtful take on emerging trends and insightful deep dives into the people and ideas shaping media tech, we achieved that, with FEED quickly becoming a must-read for key industry insiders. Fast-forward to today and the landscape has changed dramatically – and so have we. We know that a traditional, analogue format isn’t enough, and so I’m delighted to announce that the digital era of FEED is dawning, an era that sees us embracing a whole new range of media. From webinars to professionally produced podcasts, a brand-new website and next-gen newsletter content, we’ve been hard at work for the past eight months to re- launch FEED as a multimedia digital platform. Here are the highlights!
FEED Forum: Our new monthly webinar series Since our launch in 2018, FEED has become the broadcast tech handbook for market intelligence. FEED Forum takes this tried-and-true approach to the next level, offering fresh, engaging and shareable content in a dynamic, streamable format that positions participants as thought leaders and innovators. Every webinar will be featured in on our new website and our monthly content drop, FEED Signal .
FEED Signal: Monthly content drops Signal is the new hub for all FEED digital activity: a monthly content drop that will land in the inboxes of our expansive email database. Each mailout will explore one essential topic, unpacked through an array of compelling long-form features and interviews, an expert-filled webinar, thought- provoking video interviews, podcasts and more. All you have to do to gain access to Signal is make sure you’re signed up to our newsletters and keep an eye on your inbox for the last Friday of every month!
Brand-new website It wouldn’t be a digital relaunch without a shiny new website to go with it. Our revamped site is now more intuitive and user-friendly than ever before, and will be your go-to platform for broadcast tech insights. From news, show coverage and industry updates to long-form features and thought leadership pieces, it’s jam-packed with all the information you could possibly need to navigate this ever-changing industry.
THE DIGITAL-FIRST CHAPTER
Content calendar
October 2025 Latency
FEED Forum webinar Lessons in latency Plus: n Identifying the bottlenecks n Latency in virtual production n Global sports events vs latency November 2025 Monetisation FEED Forum webinar New money, new models? Plus: n Ad tech: current state-of-play n Monetisation in the metaverse n Understanding addressable advertising December 2025 AI FEED Forum webinar Beyond the hype: AI that’s actually changing broadcast Plus: n Automation: here to help, not replace n AI commentary and dubbing n Subtitles, transcriptions and categorisation January 2026 Extended reality FEED Forum webinar The XR factor Plus: n Sports graphics and AR n Monetising XR n XR in the newsroom February 2026 Fan engagement FEED Forum webinar Beating the second screen: fan engagement that sticks Plus: n Leveraging social media n Ethics of personalisation n Gamification and add-ons March 2026 Distributed workflows FEED Forum webinar Hybrid workflows: distributed or disrupted? Plus: n Sustainable take-aways n Building a distributed production n Streaming from space
NewsFEED In addition to our monthly Signal send-out, you’ll get regular emaile updates on the latest trends, topics, product launches and events directly impacting broadcast, media and the wider tech space via our Genius Interview podcast and video series One of our readers’ favourite magazine segments is our Genius Interview, which invites media-tech influencers to discuss their careers and the topics directly impacting the industry. Now we’re elevating it into a professionally produced monthly podcast and video series, recorded at a London studio. You’ll be able to access this via our new website, Spotify, Apple Music and our newsletters. But what about the print magazine? You might be asking. We know that many of our readers love the look and feel of our magazine, so it’s not going anywhere. Comprising a culmination of our favourite FEED long-reads from throughout the year, as well as a host of fresh features from industry-leading journalists, FEED will now have an XL bumper edition published annually for IBC each year. So that’s our news. We hope you’re excited as we are as we move into this next chapter! monthly NewsFEED newsletter. Bumper annual print edition
Do you want to be part of the new FEED digital story? Then be sure to drop me a line.
VERITY BUTLER, FEED EDITOR veritybutler@bright.uk.com
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NEWSFEED
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Evergent launches Global Value Center
EXTENDED REALITY
Unified solutions
ero Density has announced the release of Reality
vergent has announced the inauguration of its new Global Value Center (GVC) in
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E
5.6, the latest update to its comprehensive solution for virtual studio production and on-air graphics. This release consolidates on-air, virtual studio, augmented reality, extended reality and video wall graphics into a unified, template-based solution. At its heart is the Lino workflow, which combines Unreal Engine’s Motion Design mode for template-based graphics design with Reality Hub’s powerful control capabilities. Zero Density is also distributing a package of example projects with virtual set and on-air graphics assets to Reality users, including the Open Studio License Program community. These assets make it easier to onboard, design and utilise broadcast graphics immediately.
Hyderabad, Telangana, India, fuelling strategic product development and AI-driven innovation. With over 600 engineering and AI professionals already onboarded in Hyderabad, the company aims to scale to more than 1000 employees by the end of 2025, anchoring its commitment to serving global customers and championing regional software engineering talent. “Although our HQ is in California, Hyderabad is central to our success,” said Vijay Sajja, CEO and founder of Evergent. “We’ve combined the best of Silicon Valley and India to build mission-critical, AI-driven SaaS solutions that power monetisation for global media giants.”
INDUSTRY
he Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto is set to launch Students to go ‘On Air’ for 26-hour broadcast T
On Air, a landmark global student-led broadcast taking place on 16 October 2025. Spanning 26 hours and produced by teams from Auckland to Los Angeles, On Air will be the world’s largest student broadcast, delivering a continuous stream of original and pre-recorded content managed entirely by university and college students. Each participating institution will contribute at least one hour of live programming to the broadcast. Confirmed universities/locations include: Auckland University of Technology (SMPTE); Baltic Film, Media and Arts School; Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart (SMPTE); Hong Kong Design Institute (SMPTE); Lycée René Cassin – Biarritz; Medieklyngen – Media Cluster Norway; University of São Paulo in partnership with
PLASA SHOW 7-9 September 2025 London, UK IBC 2025 12-15 September 2025 Amsterdam, Netherlands INDUSTRY EVENTS
Faculdade Cásper Líbero; University of Surrey; University of Texas (SMPTE); and University of York, with Ravensbourne University London as the central hub for master control room, playout control and operations. On Air is supported by a growing list of partners, including AI-Media, Aski-da Taldea, AWS, BCNexxt, Deluxe, ITV Studios, Levira, Monks, OTTRed, Platform Communications, Provys, Ravensbourne University London, SMPTE, Techex and Vizrt.
NAB SHOW NEW YORK 22-23 October 2025 New York, US ISE 2026 3-6 February 2026 Barcelona, Spain
DELIVERING MAJOR STORIES IN MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY
AUDIO
ony recently announced the launch of its ECM- 778 shotgun microphone. Designed for content production where audio quality is of paramount importance, such as films, dramas and documentaries, this flagship high-resolution model delivers immersive, high-quality audio recordings. The microphone offers versatile mounting options, whether it’s fixed to a boom pole or directly attached to compatible cameras. The ECM-778 features a newly developed microphone capsule, a brass acoustic tube and a specially designed electronic circuit board for superior sound quality, that together enable high-quality recording with clear, spacious high frequencies and stable mid-low frequencies. Despite its compact size of 176mm in length and weighing just 102g, the ECM-778 achieves excellent forward directivity, providing greater user flexibility when recording in confined spaces. Additionally, Sony is launching CFexpress Type A cards for both its Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras: the CEA-G1920T (1920GB) and CEA-G960T (960GB), along with the MRW-G3 CFexpress Type A card reader. These CFexpress 4- compatible products achieve read speeds exceeding 1800MB/s and a storage capacity of up to 1920GB. ECM-778 sets new standard for audio technology S
VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
ony is expanding its line-up of LED walls with the debut of the Crystal Sony expands LED display family S
with the Brompton and Megapixel controllers, respectively. “With the announcement of the Capri series, Sony is furthering its commitment to virtual production and spatial content creation by giving a wider selection of users opportunities for flexibly showcasing images in high fidelity,” said Sebastian Leske, head of cinema business development, Sony Europe. “We have broadened our line-up to offer more cost- conscious choices, which expand the market in support of high- quality virtual production at every level.”
LED Capri series. The new Capri collection will achieve a maximum brightness of 1500cd/m² with a 2.5mm LED pitch size. Key features include high refresh rates and brightness, a wide colour gamut and anti- reflection. Additional benefits include installation flexibility, familiar structure, streamlined maintenance and compatibility with Sony’s ecosystem of virtual production technologies. The new models, ZRD-VS25FB and the ZRD-VS25FM, are compatible
CREATOR ECONOMY
he Unreel Network and Extreme International have announced they’ve come together under one brand – Wavelength – to create one of the world’s fastest-growing social-first media and creator networks. By uniting creators with social channel distribution at scale, Wavelength seeks to build a next-generation media company, led by CEO and founder Alistair Gosling and co- founder Benjamin Brown. Wavelength’s vision is to build a ‘Sky on social’ experience, with a competitive advantage stemming from its ownership of distribution diversified across social platforms. Wavelength caters to specific passion points and niche audiences, driving engagement through daily short-form content, premium long-form formats and live events across sectors such as adventure travel, action sports, beauty, DIY, craft, e-automotive, tech and envirotainment. “What sets Wavelength apart is the ability to pair creator-led authenticity with the distribution power of our owned social channels. This dual approach delivers both trust and reach, two of the most Wavelength unites T
INDUSTRY Women in Media show W
omen in Media will present the Reel/ Forward in-person conference from 6-7 September at Emerson College in Los Angeles. The two-day event features panels and workshops on funding, finding collaborators and eco-friendly practices in film, TV and new media. Producers, creatives and crew are invited to explore vendors, watch calling card short projects, attend speed pitching and build relationships in the dealmakers’ lounge. “This conference will
connect filmmakers with investors to help jumpstart projects to drive job creation in California, with a focus on financially sound, sustainable production,” said Tema Staig, Women in Media executive director. “Clean, green practices improve working conditions, boost production value and strengthen the bottom line.” Expert panellists include Disney Studios’ Adrienne Pfeiffer, Ecoscope’s Alex de Valera and Audrey Gelb, former VP of production at Disney TV Studios.
DUBBING & CAPTIONING
E Bilingual Belgians
powerhouse that delivers bilingual content for Proximus’ platforms and channels, including on-demand and live sports broadcasting productions such as Uefa Champions League football in Belgium.
uropean technology developer Profuz Digital has confirmed that Proximus
critical drivers of success for modern content and brand campaigns,” said Gosling.
Media House (PMH) has selected the SubtitleNext subtitling software platform. PMH is a Belgian media
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AD TECH
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY
FAST OFFERING ON GIGATV Vodafone has selected Amagi as a technical service provider and content aggregator for its new FAST initiative, recently launched by Vodafone Germany. The agreement is set to position Amagi as Vodafone’s strategic partner for FAST, providing a mix of technology, coordinating channel delivery and monetising content.
FOR-A AMERICA PARTNERS WITH TECNEC TecNec will carry For-A America’s systems for broadcast, professional video and the house of worship market, with a focus on the HVS-1901 M/E video switcher series. TecNec has hit the ground running with initial sales of HVS-190S/190I switchers, integrated ClassX graphics software and related accessories for enhanced workflows.
ACAST AND MAGNITE PARTNER UP Acast’s premium podcast inventory, comprising over 140,000 podcasts that generate more than one billion listens quarterly, will be available via Magnite, making inventory more accessible than ever on a global scale. Advertisers can now seamlessly plan and activate campaigns across podcast, connected TV and online video in one place.
PLAYOUT
TVW overhaul
VW turned to Keycode Media to design a workflow that would address everything on the network’s wish list. The new playout system features master and redundant Playbox Neo Airbox Neo systems, with 12 channels that interface directly with TVW’s third-party trafficking system, a Titlebox Neo interactive CG, Listbox for schedule creation and editing, Live Ingest, and the Multi-Backup Manager (MBM) for multi-channel redundancy. The system runs on the Playbox Neo Suite, which offers centralised control, monitoring and admin. T
DISTRIBUTED PRODUCTION
today’s fast-paced live production environment, technical and creative AJA powers Toby Santos’ hybrid set-up In
“For six months, I played an essential role in producing several different Viacom shows out of my house. I helped direct, record and manage graphics and logging for seven shows through my control room and two other control rooms for MTV and BET, managed two live broadcasts for BET, and recorded PSAs for CBS,” Santos recalled. “I needed a rock- solid I/O device that could handle multiple SDI feeds, integrate with vMix, stay in sync with no latency issues and provide a reliable output to my recorders. Corvid 88 is now an integral part of my portable production flypacks.”
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
roles are blending and workflows are evolving. For Los Angeles- based live production director Toby Santos, that shift has meant rethinking how shows are built, from planning and prep to final product. With a background spanning news, sports, music and corporate events, he is embracing a hybrid approach, combining technical direction with production and streaming in one cohesive workflow. At the core of it all is AJA’s Corvid 88 video/audio PCIe I/O card.
Google updates AI
oogle is launching a new AI search feature in the UK. Instead of a list of search results showing links to other websites in blue type, people who choose AI Mode will be given an answer written in a conversational style, containing far fewer links to other pages. The move comes as major AI developers, including OpenAI, look G
to apply large language model technology to web searches.
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INDUSTRY
AUDIO
INDUSTRY
STRATEGIC EXPANSION SGO has announced a strategic alliance with Big Pic Media. The partnership marks a step forward for expanding SGO’s presence in one of the most dynamic media and entertainment markets in the world. Big Pic Media will provide direct access to SGO’s line-up of Mistika Technology solutions, including the renowned Mistika Workflows.
MEDIA PRIMA STRENGTHENS WITH DHD Media Prima has chosen DHD SX2 audio production mixers for integration into new broadcast studios at Balai Berita in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. The project was completed with VME Broadcast and Stagetec Asia. It included the supply, installation and commissioning of complete audio systems for Media Prima’s TV3 and 8TV television channels.
LAWO RELEASES HOME 4.0 Lawo has announced the release
of HOME 4.0, the latest version of its IP-native management platform. The major update introduces significant architectural improvements, plus a streamlined licensing model and greater operational flexibility for broadcasters and media professionals working in infrastructures of any scale.
INDUSTRY
NRK upgrades
he historic announcement of the new Pope Leo XIV on HOUSES OF WORSHIP Vatican visuals T
hotoku Broadcast Systems has announced that NRK, the Norwegian state
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broadcaster and long-term customer, has gone on air from newly renovated Studios 5 and 7 featuring under-floor rail systems upgraded to Shotoku’s Shotoku SmartPed robotic pedestal systems to Studio 7. Both studios have been outfitted with Shotoku’s latest Version 3 TR-XT control panels. “When the decision was made to update our on-air look and invest in new technologies, we were pleased to find that Shotoku could upgrade the rail systems we already owned to the latest specification. This allowed full SmartRail specification. In addition, NRK has added three us to use more of the budget on robotic pedestals, with SmartPed being the obvious choice for Studio 7,” said Aksel Helgheim, head of the upgrade project.
extraordinary events, such as the first public appearance of Pope Leo XIV, with unprecedented visual fidelity. “These results are the fruit of a strong synergy between Sony’s cutting-edge technology and the outstanding professionalism of the Vatican Media production team, whose expertise brings to life the solemnity and the significance of every moment that we share with the world,” said Francesco Masci, chief technology officer at the Dicastery for Communication.
8 May was captured in stunning detail using Sony’s HDC-5500 system camera. “We have a long-standing relationship with Sony, built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to excellence. Thanks to this partnership – and the innovation introduced by our Technology Directorate, particularly through the adoption of 4K HDR – we have been able to capture the depth and emotion of
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ubiquity, an Amdocs company and a global leader in technology-led V Vubiquity releases Catalog Intelligence
that is set to transform how media organisations manage and monetise their content libraries. Recently named a Product of the Year at the 2025 NAB Show, Catalog Intelligence applies advanced natural
language processing in order to streamline content readiness, reduce inefficiencies and unlock new revenue opportunities across the media supply chain for media and entertainment companies.
media services, has announced the commercial availability of Catalog Intelligence, an AI-powered solution
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INDUSTRY
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
CONTENT DISCOVERY
MBC GROUP PARTNERS WITH NETFLIX MBC Group has announced a regional partnership with Netflix in the Middle East and North Africa. It will give customers of MBCNow – the entertainment service aggregator recently launched by MBC – access to the full Netflix service. The bundle will combine Netflix alongside Shahid, the Arabic streaming platform, in addition to linear TV channels.
CHATBOT CHANGES The AI chatbot race has been heating up throughout 2025, as more players hit the scene and shake up the market. It is not DeepSeek, Gemini or even Perplexity – the second-largest player – that appears to be chipping away at the OpenAI dominance. Instead, many users seem to be shifting from ChatGPT to Microsoft Copilot.
SOOKA STREAMING ThinkAnalytics has announced that Astro has again chosen ThinkAnalytics to drive viewer engagement on its Sooka streaming service. Astro went live with ThinkMediaAI at the end of April and is already reporting that ThinkMediaAI’s personalised user experience and enhanced content discovery are increasing usage and viewing time.
CLOUD
Veset powers MED.TV’s move to the cloud
loud playout solutions provider Veset was selected by Med.TV to distribute its
C
rass Valley has just announced a sizeable advancement in Greek OB TRUCKS Greece gear-up G
linear and on-demand content over multiple platforms. Med.TV now operates its broadcast workflows entirely in the cloud using cloud- based playout solution Nimbus. Based in Malta, Med.TV is dedicated to showcasing the cultural heritage, natural beauty, vibrant traditions and Mediterranean way of life to a global audience. It does this through a range of live coverage, travelogues, culinary shows, business, lifestyle and cultural programming on its linear channel, as well as on demand. Med.TV distributes content across satellite TV, web, mobile and TV apps, and Nimbus has allowed it to optimise distribution for both traditional and modern viewing, enabling broad reach across both IP-based and legacy infrastructure. Nimbus has enabled Med.TV to manage its channels with on-air graphics and multi-user capabilities.
98 cameras provide the image quality and operational versatility required for today’s demanding live production environments. Whether they’re covering sports, cultural events or major international broadcasts, these cameras deliver consistent performance across multiple formats and frame rates.” The system was designed and integrated by Telmaco SA. Telmaco provided the full Grass Valley camera package and integration services, working closely alongside View Master Events to create a scalable and modern OB platform.
media production: the operation of the country’s first-ever fully equipped 4K UHD outside broadcast (OB) truck. Owned by Live Productions and operated by View Master Events, the truck has a full 12G UHD HDR signal chain centred on 12 Grass Valley LDX 98 cameras. John Zarganis, CEO at View Master Events, said: “We aimed to build a production platform that positions us as leaders in the Greek and broader regional markets. Grass Valley’s LDX
SOCIAL MEDIA
INDUSTRY
ITV and Disney strike content-sharing deal
Bans for big platforms ouTube will be included in Australia’s world-first social media ban for children under 16, after the government ditched an exemption for the platform. The ban will also limit TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and Snapchat, and is due to start in December. As part of the ban, teenagers will still be able to view YouTube videos, but will not be permitted to have an account, which is required for uploading content or interacting on the platform. YouTube – owned by Google – had argued that it should not be blocked for children as the platform ‘offers benefit and value to younger Australians: it’s not social media’. Y
isney+ and ITVX have forged an agreement to share content from each other’s
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services on their respective UK platforms. A curated and regularly refreshed selection of series and films from ITVX is now available on Disney+ and vice versa, under the respective banners Taste of ITVX and Taste of Disney+. The initiative brings together two of the UK’s most recognisable entertainment brands to expand viewer choice and celebrate the best of British and international storytelling, marking a further milestone in The Walt Disney Company and ITV’s long- standing relationship.
“This alliance allows us to show our complementary audiences a specially selected collection of titles, regularly updating, that gives a flavour of the range in our respective offerings. For us, this deal means even more great content for viewers,” said Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment, ITV.
E very September, the global media, entertainment and technology community converges on Amsterdam for what has become the industry’s most important annual gathering: the International Broadcasting Convention, better known simply as IBC. For five days, the RAI Amsterdam transforms into a buzzing hub where broadcasters, streamers, filmmakers, content creators and technologists come together to share ideas and shape the future of media. converges to take stock of where it is now and where it’s going next. Whether it’s groundbreaking tools for live production, advancements in immersive storytelling or exploring the latest in streaming infrastructure, the show acts as a barometer for the health, creativity and ambition of the media sector. And in a year that’s been defined by rapid change, IBC 2025 feels especially pivotal. Launched in 1967, IBC has grown from a small conference for broadcast engineers into a sprawling global exhibition that attracts over 1000 exhibitors and more than 40,000 attendees. That growth mirrors the industry’s own transformation: from traditional TV and radio to an ecosystem where video on demand, esports, cloud- based editing and virtual production are every bit as relevant as satellite uplinks and outside broadcast trucks once were. Walking the halls of the RAI, it’s hard not to feel the scale. One moment you’re looking at next-gen cameras and lenses, and the next you’re in a booth demonstrating cloud playout software or watching AI tools automate metadata tagging at breathtaking speed. This mixture of hardware and software, creativity and infrastructure makes IBC unlike any other event in the sector. Why IBC 2025 matters IBC isn’t just another trade show. It’s where the industry This year, several key trends have surfaced, making this IBC one of the most anticipated editions in some time. The rise of AI in content
creation is no longer simply a topic of speculation; it’s already transforming workflows for editing, graphics, translation and archiving. Sports broadcasting, always a showstopper at IBC, is also under intense focus, as rightsholders look to maximise engagement across both linear and digital platforms. Cloud adoption Sustainability (a crucially recurring theme in recent years) is now a core business imperative, as studios and broadcasters alike face increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints. IBC 2025: continues to accelerate at a fast rate, with major vendors racing to deliver low-latency, cost-effective solutions for live production.
From livestreaming breakthroughs to generative AI, IBC 2025 sets the industry agenda. FEED is here with our annual show guide to help you navigate the bustling show floor Words by Verity Butler Guide
Beyond the floor Of course, IBC isn’t just about the technology on display. Its conference programme is just as influential, featuring keynote speakers, panels and workshops that tackle the most pressing questions facing the media landscape. Expect to hear from CEOs of leading streaming services, CTOs
of global broadcasters, as well as visionary creatives pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Topics will range from monetisation models in a fragmented streaming environment to the ethics of generative AI, from the future of sports distribution to the opportunities of spatial computing and mixed reality.
Networking also remains a huge draw. For many, the real magic happens in the corridors, cafes and after-hours events where deals are struck and professional connections made. The blend of seasoned executives and fresh talent means that conversations are rich with both experience and fresh perspectives.
FEED’s top talks Day 1: Friday 12 September
From Pitch to Partnership: How Microsoft and the Premier League Are Personalising the Fan Experience IBC Showcase Theatre, 11.45am-12.15pm Join Simon Crownshaw, Microsoft worldwide director of media and entertainment, and Alex Willis, Premier League director of digital media and audience development, as they uncover how Microsoft and the Premier League are going beyond the game with the Premier League Companion app, powered by Microsoft Copilot, to deliver a tailored, engaging experience for football fans around the world. YouTube’s Collaboration With Broadcasters: Better Together 12-12.30pm, Conference Room 1 Pedro Pina, vice president of EMEA for YouTube, will be on stage with Grace Boswood, technology and distribution director, Channel 4. The session will delve into how YouTube is partnering with broadcasters to adapt to the rapidly evolving media consumption landscape, with a particular focus on the significant shift towards content consumption in the living room, strategies for reaching new audiences and the
TALKING POINTS Attendees have much to listen to, engage with and discuss across the four days of IBC this year
tools offered to be successful in today’s media ecosystem.
Sports Viewing: The Shifting Landscape and What’s Ahead 4.15-4.45pm, Conference Room 1 The sports broadcasting landscape is changing, with TikTok emerging as a sports viewing hub and the main reason for many going on social media. There is no doubt that TV behaviours are continuing to evolve and, arguably, it’s social media that could pose both the greatest threat and the greatest opportunity for sports broadcasters and rightsholders alike. However, for the foreseeable future, the role of social media remains to complement rather than compete. This session explores how broadcasters can work better with social media giants to seize opportunities in the digital sphere. Day 2: Saturday 13 September Keynote: The Evolution of AI: Supercharging Broadcasting 10.40-11am, Conference Room 1 It’s clear that AI is set to play an increasingly important role in the media and entertainment industry, and now is the perfect time for organisations across the content
A Framework for Generative AI 12.30-1.30pm, Future Tech Stage This session aims to develop a ‘Generative AI Framework’ that will enable broadcasters to quickly and efficiently create various types of media content, including scripts, highlights, short-form promotional content, TV adverts, as well as marketing materials.
Fighting Disinformation and Disengagement: Staying Relevant in the Digital Age 2.15-3pm, Conference Room 1 A steep increase in the use of disinformation and fake news by malicious actors – and even governments – has been witnessed in recent years. Adding to this is the increasing number of younger consumers getting their information from non-verified platforms or those with a vested economic interest in algorithms that are set to produce popularity rather than promote factuality. So what role do broadcasters, news providers and social media play in ensuring the accurate and reliable delivery of news to the platforms where people consume it? This panel will examine trends around truth and trust in the
All aboard the Green Line
The Flint Green Line is a unique media-tech networking event that takes place in a dedicated Eurostar carriage while heading to IBC Show in September. The FEED team is jumping on board for the second year in a row! The Flint Green Line broadcasters, technologists, analysts and journalists to embark on a train trip that will feature networking, education and even a pub quiz. Plus food, of course! Whether you are a brings together a range of sustainability experts, sustainability veteran or are just curious about how to get started on your sustainability journey, the Flint team invites you to come aboard and make contacts, gain fresh insights and get energised to take on IBC with a new, more sustainable mindset. The Green Line leaves London St Pancras at 11.04am on Thursday 11 September and arrives into Amsterdam Centraal at 4.15pm local time
consumption of information. Day 3: Sunday 14 September
The Digital Media Supply Chain Is Broken. Can AI Fix it?
11.45am-12.15pm, Future Tech Stage
An explosion of content, platforms and formats is making the digital media supply chain more fragmented and complex than ever. Versioning chaos, rights management hurdles and mounting pressure to deliver flawlessly across an ever-growing number of endpoints – all while maintaining speed, reliability and confidentiality. What’s a media enterprise to do? Case Study: Integrating Virtual Production to Transform Sports Coverage 12.15-12.35pm, Conference Room 1 Emerging technologies are reshaping sports broadcasting with solutions that drive efficiencies and enable more dynamic and engaging productions. In this session, John Murphy, design director at BBC Sport, will explore how it’s utilising virtual production to transform its coverage by enhancing storytelling, increasing fan engagement and optimising production workflows.
Day 4: Monday 15 September
Ultra-Low Latency Live Streaming at Scale 12.45-1.45pm, Future Tech Stage Ultra-Low Latency Live Streaming at Scale builds on the foundation of the previous Scalable Ultra-Low Latency Streaming for Premium Sports accelerator, focusing on the development of a truly scalable architecture for delivering live TV over the internet.
journey to begin to test the waters of innovation. Damian Cronan, chief digital and information officer, ABC, will look at how ABC is leveraging AI to drive efficiencies, create value and revolutionise the way content is produced, distributed and monetised.
camera, RCP Plus camera controller and VMV-402-3GSH switcher. Marshall will also showcase its new CV355-27X-IP and CV355-27X-ND3 cameras during the show.
Vizrt 10.A41
With over 25 years of innovation in storytelling workflows, Vizrt is a leader in real-time graphics and live production. It shapes video creation with groundbreaking solutions in graphics, cloud, live streaming, virtual production and more. From individuals to the world’s largest media organisations, it empowers its users with creative tools to captivate audiences with expert support.
FEED’s best of booths Brainstorm 7.C39 A highlight for Brainstorm at IBC 2025 will be Suite 6.2, introduced at NAB 2025, the latest version of Infinity Set, Aston and eStudio. This release will be demonstrated through a data-driven weather show combining augmented reality and virtual production. Powered by Infinity Set and Unreal Engine 5, the demo will feature advanced capabilities, including talent tele-transportation, multi-scene management and hyperrealistic AR graphics with advanced rendering technologies such as Gaussian splatting, showcasing how Infinity Set manages to blend real and virtual production in real time.
cloud without infrastructure hurdles. With TVXray, Clip Box and Makalu, Qvest turns these scenarios into reality. At IBC 2025, the team will show you how its technologies
boost engagement, speed up workflows and reduce costs.
Clear-Com 10.D29
Marshall Electronics 11.C28
Clear-Com will present a full line-up of intercom innovations designed for broadcast professionals. Visitors to the booth can experience the newest addition to the Free Speak wireless
Marshall Electronics will highlight several of its new product offerings at IBC 2025, including the CV612 PTZ
EXPLORING THE FLOOR A wide range of companies will be showing off their products and expertise at the event
Lawo 8.B90
With a fundamental focus on software-defined workflows, flexible deployment models and cloud-ready architectures, this year Lawo is presenting a forward- thinking portfolio of innovations that will enable broadcasters to create agile, scalable and highly efficient production environments.
Qvest 10.C24, 7.B18
Imagine your sports broadcast engaging fans directly with interactive overlays. Your newsroom delivering breaking news faster than ever. Your new channel launching flexibly in the
family, the award-winning Free Speak Icon beltpack, alongside the versatile Arcadia Central Station and the latest enhancements to Clear-Com’s virtual intercom portfolio.
Cobalt Digital 8.D83
Cobalt Digital is heading to IBC 2025 with an expanded line-up of IPMX- compliant products and solutions that highlight its simple plug-and-play approach to SMPTE ST 2110. Visitors to its stand will experience first-hand how Cobalt is redefining versatility with a collection that includes audio monitors, encoders, multiviewers and converters available in a variety of form factors, ranging from Open Gear cards to stand-alone units, all designed to reduce complexity without compromising performance.
IBC 2025 attendees to stand 8.A69 to see the IP core infrastructure solutions and multiviewers being embraced by some of the most visionary and high-profile names in broadcast, live production and entertainment. The two companies will showcase how their technology is transforming real-life workflows in OB trucks, production control rooms, studios and esports facilities.
Zixi 5.A85
Trusted by leading broadcasters and sports leagues for more than 15 years, Zixi empowers businesses in today’s fast-paced media landscape. Its solutions support multiple live IP video workflows, including content contribution, B2B distribution, D2C enablement, as well as satellite replacement. Zixi’s platform offers advanced automation, management and security features.
Arkona and Manifold Technologies 8.A69
Dot Group 14.D29
Technology partners Arkona and Manifold Technologies are inviting
Dot Group, a specialist in data management solutions, will be displaying breakthrough innovations in carbon transparency and high- speed file transfer. As a widely acclaimed and established expert in data engineering, the company is uniquely positioned to address the broadcast industry’s dual challenges of environmental compliance and operational efficiency through its intelligent data solutions.
PTZ Optics 1.B07
PTZ Optics is a US company based in Downingtown, Pennsylvania that manufactures robotic pan, tilt and zoom video cameras. With a variety of cabling options, network connectivity and remote control capability, PTZ Optics cameras are ideal for video production and livestreaming applications.
Synamedia 1.B49
Hoppr 1.BS15
Synamedia is trusted by service providers and content owners to deliver, enrich and protect video. The flexibility and agility of its cloud and SaaS products enable customers of all types and sizes to launch, monetise and scale services at speed. Its award-winning portfolio includes advanced advertising, business analytics, broadband and streaming video platforms, anti- piracy solutions and video network solutions for processing, distribution and delivery.
Hoppr is a global TV advertising technology company reshaping how brands connect with viewers. It partners with telecom operators, broadcasters and smart TV platforms to power audience-first advertising experiences across live, on-demand and streaming content. Hoppr’s platform brings together precision targeting, real-time campaign delivery and unified measurement – giving advertisers the tools of digital on the biggest screen in the home.
There’s a new pro AV standard in town, and Cobalt Digital is keeping pace GETTING THE STANDARD without locking customers into a proprietary solution.”
T he broadcast industry is famously fast-moving, with new products, software and solutions emerging every day. For customers, this means keeping up with the latest releases and creating a vendor-agnostic workflow that functions smoothly from start to finish. To encourage this streamlined approach, SMPTE released its 2110 set of standards for over-IP digital media distribution. AIMS followed up with IPMX, a set of open standards and specifications for the pro AV market. IPMX has gained momentum, being adopted by many leading vendors in the industry – Cobalt Digital included. “The goal is enabling the carriage of compressed, lightly compressed and uncompressed audio-visual data over IP networks,” begins Suzana Brady, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Cobalt Digital. “If everyone follows IPMX, it will streamline integration
ARIA audio monitor, as well as its INDIGO 2110 product line. “We’re committed to the pro AV market,” says Brady – that much is evident. “We keep introducing new features, including additional signal types – each of our new products has that focus in mind.” Catering to customers both existing and new, Cobalt is covering all bases, appealing to traditional broadcasters and those in the corporate, education, digital signage and entertainment sectors, among others. “IPMX provides plug-and- play simplicity, making the tech more accessible to those who don’t have the resources or experience,” shares Brady. By offering IPMX compliance, Cobalt is truly putting the power in its customers’ hands.
According to Brady, the broadcast industry is converging increasingly with pro AV; “it’s more pervasive, it’s broader, it includes a lot more markets and applications than broadcast. Combined with shifting content consumption preferences, all of a sudden you have these blurring lines.” She continues, “There’s a growing demand for broadcast-grade solutions that also offer agility and ease of use. We need to support the technologies these other markets adopt, and we believe in IPMX.” With most of Cobalt’s products already supporting ST 2110, “it was an easy step to make them IPMX-compliant. That was a no-brainer for us.” In the last six months, Cobalt has upgraded the architecture on its entire workflow, including its openGear cards, SAPPHIRE mini converters, PACIFIC encoder, UltraBlue MV-SW multiviewer and
cobaltdigital.com
The front end to the future of newsrooms Sony’s new flagship ENG camera supports digital fingerprinting for secure end-to-end workflows
E NG cameras are truly the workhorses of modern-day news production. As news workflows embrace state-of-the-art, connected production technology, the new PXW-Z300 has evolved from its successful predecessor, the PXW-Z280, supporting new connectivity, codecs and chain- of-trust authentication. The previous model, the PXW-Z280, is currently a worldwide standard and has been continuously updated throughout its lifespan. Meanwhile, the PXW-Z300 is a new top-of-the-range camera, featuring the company’s EXMOR R® 3-chip 3840x2160 effective pixel sensor design for exceptionally detailed, lifelike images and, in a first for the industry, digital fingerprinting for secure end-to-end workflows. The new model builds on the previous camera’s form factor,
incorporating feedback from the widespread user community. It has retained a familiar control interface for continuity, while incorporating new features like a dedicated AI Processing Unit for AI-assisted autofocus based on anatomical structure. The lens-mounted camera grip has been improved to adjust the balance point, making the device feel lighter to operate. The camera retains a clear and powerful optical system whose high-quality images get the best performance from modern compression technology used in newsgathering. It features a three- ring control system and supports most previous accessories, including the battery. Convenient and connected A brand-new viewfinder features more degrees of movement and is ideal for fast-paced and dynamic shooting, while a side-mounted V-Lock is a convenient mount for accessories like the PDT-FP1 modem and file-upload hub. A USB power connection offers improved sustainability credentials by not needing dedicated power supplies. For live productions, the camera is compatible with S700 remote protocol and can be genlocked for multicamera production. The PXW-Z300 is an example of Sony’s signalled intent to spearhead
the future of news acquisition. And, with its support of digital fingerprinting, the camera provides newsmakers with powerful tools for overcoming fake and manipulated images. This technology can give editors peace of mind and protect freelancers’ reputations while working under high pressure or in dangerous conditions. Social media can deliver unverified, unaccountable material around the world in seconds, while broadcasters must compete for engagement despite the additional responsibility of verifying the authenticity of their content. With CP2A-standard cryptography embedded in the camera’s hardware, any captured video has a unique signature that remains with the footage unless it is altered. Any unauthorised
›› The PXW-Z300 provides a trusted ‘chain of truth’... the front end of a secure end-to-end ecosystem ‹‹
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