This year’s IBC Conference in Amsterdam was themed “Content, Collaboration and Creativity: Navigating a New Media Landscape”, and once again brought together key players from across the global media, entertainment, and associated technology landscape.
IBC is one of the two main events in the sector, alongside the NAB Show in the US. Attendees and exhibitors represented a broad spectrum of major players from both operator/platform owners as well as tech and service providers. Several private equity groups were present, representing their portfolio companies and exploring new investment opportunities across the room.
Jonathan Goodale, Chief Business Development Officer, EMEA, shared his key takeouts from the event.
A MOOD CHANGE IN THE AIR?
The industry remains in a state of transition, but sentiment felt more positive than last year’s event, and overall attendance was up on 12 months ago with over 45,000 people in the room.
The overriding theme remains one of ‘doing more with less’ and vendors must navigate this. Yet, despite the challenging environment for vendors and operators over the past 18 months, there is growing optimism that 2025 could usher in a more positive landscape.
There are various developments that could drive excitement and opportunity in 2025. For instance, expect to see and hear more on 5G Broadcast, which once commercially available will drive efficiencies ranging from alleviating pressure on MNOs and allowing linear video and audio broadcasts direct to mobile alongside the clear benefits for emergency broadcast situations.
Equally, expect to hear more about AdTech solutions in the industry as FAST networks and Ad-driven models show resilience as well as scheduled content formats. Associated vendors and providers in these areas are likely to reap benefits as operators and content providers need help building and delivering these solutions. Likewise, the holders of data are kings and we can expect to see increased use of data led content production and delivery decision making.
AI: NOISY BUT NOT DEAFENING
While AI was of course debated, it did not dominate the conference as it has perhaps done in other sectors. In an industry where there remains a large amount of legacy infrastructure, much of which is still on prem solutions, Cloud migration and strategy remain a huge focal point.
While AI is clearly exciting in terms of what it offers in all areas of the value chain, from content production and services through to delivery, it remains too early to attach tangible return on the investment in a cost-conscious period for the industry. Conversely there are clear and demonstrable efficiencies to be gained from modernizing and streamlining technology stacks and processes.
There was also a recognition that to mitigate risk diversification of partners was needed, as the cost of failing in a live broadcasting environment was too high a price to pay in reputational terms.
SUSTAINABILITY
There was much talk about how the industry needs to continue to deal with its carbon footprint. From the reliance on energy intensive legacy technology infrastructure to the environmental impact of live event broadcasts, equipment transport, and hardware manufacturing, the conversation around sustainability is gaining urgency. Investors are increasingly asking for mitigation plans and are interested in how technology can help achieve carbon reduction targets.
THE M&A OUTLOOK
There are a number of companies in the vendor community backed by Private Equity funds that are expected to be prime for trading in the coming years, which will fuel M&A activity in what is a relatively confined market. Consolidation will be a key theme as key players look to strengthen their positions and gain competitive advantages in this evolving landscape.
With trends like FAST networks, 5G broadcasting, and advancements in IP networking capabilities, new opportunities are emerging in areas such as AdTech, data analytics, and content delivery technologies. As the way we consume content evolves, we can expect new players to become leaders in these fields.
Mergers and acquisitions will play a critical role in shaping solutions for both existing players and investors eager to capitalize on market shifts. Consolidation will likely redefine the industry’s dynamics, enabling greater innovation and integration across the content delivery and technology ecosystem.
