• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • TV/Radio Deals
  • Film partnerships
  • New appointments
  • Production
  • TV Channels
Decoding AI and new technologies in media

Decoding AI and new technologies in media

September 21, 2023
Mohamed Karim and AGC Studios to co-produce ‘Judgment of the Dead’

Mohamed Karim and AGC Studios to co-produce ‘Judgment of the Dead’

November 30, 2023
Tata Advanced Systems and Satellogic to build LEO satellites in India

Tata Advanced Systems and Satellogic to build LEO satellites in India

November 30, 2023
Netflix to release Fatima Al-Banawi’s directorial debut ‘Basma’ in 2024

Netflix to release Fatima Al-Banawi’s directorial debut ‘Basma’ in 2024

November 30, 2023
El Gouna Film Festival 2023 opens applications for accreditation

El Gouna Film Festival reopens accreditation for sixth edition

November 30, 2023
Iranian film ‘Endless Borders’ bags Golden Peacock Award at International Film Festival of India

Iranian film ‘Endless Borders’ bags Golden Peacock Award at International Film Festival of India

November 29, 2023
Sharjah Film Platform announces programme for sixth edition

Sharjah Film Platform announces programme for sixth edition

November 29, 2023
IndiaCast and Viacom18 announce rebranding of ‘Aapka Colors’

IndiaCast and Viacom18 announce rebranding of ‘Aapka Colors’

November 29, 2023
Ithra and Film Clinic release BTS footage of ‘Hajjan’ ahead of premiere at Red Sea Film Festival

Ithra and Film Clinic release BTS footage of ‘Hajjan’ ahead of premiere at Red Sea Film Festival

November 29, 2023
Red Sea International Film Festival opens film submissions for second edition

Red Sea Int’l Film Festival reveals jury and honoree awards for 2023 edition

November 29, 2023
Saudi Arabia and US forge new space exploration agreement

Saudi Arabia and US forge new space exploration agreement

November 29, 2023
MBC Group secures TV and SVOD rights for animated series ‘The Fixies’

MBC Group secures TV and SVOD rights for animated series ‘The Fixies’

November 29, 2023
Insys and To-Do Media bring Arabic content to mobile devices

TVF International secures multiple deals across MENA region for new factual titles

November 29, 2023
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Magazine Archive
  • Directory
  • Contact
Thursday, November 30, 2023
BroadcastPro ME
  • News
    • All
    • Podcasting
    • Cinema Theatres
    • Esports
    • TV/Radio Deals
    • Film partnerships
    • New appointments
    • Production
    • Mergers/Acquisitions
    • Satellite/Comms
    • AV
    • OTT/Video Streaming
    • International News
    • Analyst Reports
    • Satellite/Broadcasting
    Mohamed Karim and AGC Studios to co-produce ‘Judgment of the Dead’

    Mohamed Karim and AGC Studios to co-produce ‘Judgment of the Dead’

    Tata Advanced Systems and Satellogic to build LEO satellites in India

    Tata Advanced Systems and Satellogic to build LEO satellites in India

    Netflix to release Fatima Al-Banawi’s directorial debut ‘Basma’ in 2024

    Netflix to release Fatima Al-Banawi’s directorial debut ‘Basma’ in 2024

    El Gouna Film Festival 2023 opens applications for accreditation

    El Gouna Film Festival reopens accreditation for sixth edition

    Iranian film ‘Endless Borders’ bags Golden Peacock Award at International Film Festival of India

    Iranian film ‘Endless Borders’ bags Golden Peacock Award at International Film Festival of India

    Sharjah Film Platform announces programme for sixth edition

    Sharjah Film Platform announces programme for sixth edition

    IndiaCast and Viacom18 announce rebranding of ‘Aapka Colors’

    IndiaCast and Viacom18 announce rebranding of ‘Aapka Colors’

    Ithra and Film Clinic release BTS footage of ‘Hajjan’ ahead of premiere at Red Sea Film Festival

    Ithra and Film Clinic release BTS footage of ‘Hajjan’ ahead of premiere at Red Sea Film Festival

    Red Sea International Film Festival opens film submissions for second edition

    Red Sea Int’l Film Festival reveals jury and honoree awards for 2023 edition

    Saudi Arabia and US forge new space exploration agreement

    Saudi Arabia and US forge new space exploration agreement

    Trending Tags

    • broadcast
    • MENA broadcast
    • ConnecTech2019
  • Tech Features
    • All
    • CASE STUDIES
    • Virtual Production Series
    • REVIEWS
    • TV/Radio Deals
    • New Media
    Blinx blazes bold digital trail

    Blinx blazes bold digital trail

    Cloud for media, AI for media

    Cloud for media, AI for media

    Decoding AI and new technologies in media

    Decoding AI and new technologies in media

    Embracing the diversified media supply chain

    Embracing the diversified media supply chain

    Exploring the evolution of graphics with next-level data handling

    Exploring the evolution of graphics with next-level data handling

    How the IS-12 control protocol can help simplifying IP workflows

    How the IS-12 control protocol can help simplifying IP workflows

    Creating cricket for a multi-platform viewership

    Creating cricket for a multi-platform viewership

    Is Arabic content ready to compete at the Content Olympics?

    Is Arabic content ready to compete at the Content Olympics?

    Shaping the narrative

    Shaping the narrative

    Lights, Camera, Generative AI!

    Lights, Camera, Generative AI!

    Trending Tags

    • Videos
      Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

      Managing Through Constant Disruption

      Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

      The Future of Content Creation in MENA: Trends and Business Practices

      Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

      Game-Changing Trends in Sports Broadcasting

      Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

      Broadcast Tech Trends: IP, Cloud, AI and Edge Computing

      Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

      Mastering Virtual Production

      Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

      OTT Technologies: Building, Securing, and Delivering Content

      Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

      Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

      A fireside chat with Majed Al Suwaidi

      A fireside chat with Majed Al Suwaidi

      Panel Discussion : TV Broadcasting 2.0: Innovations in Generative AI, Cloud, and Streaming for the Future

      Presentation: Optimising Playout Costs: Maximising Automation Potential

    • Opinion
      A symbiotic future with linear OTT and VOD

      A symbiotic future with linear OTT and VOD

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      ASBU BroadcastPro ME Summit and Awards returns for 13th edition

      How satellite, and advances in IP and cloud are enabling greater efficiency in broadcast

      How satellite, and advances in IP and cloud are enabling greater efficiency in broadcast

      IBC2023, the premise of a hybrid world?

      IBC2023, the premise of a hybrid world?

      Made in the UAE – with pride

      Insights from IBC 2023

      Generative AI Applications in OTT Development: A Paradigm Shift

      Generative AI Applications in OTT Development: A Paradigm Shift

      Unlocking the power of data

      Unlocking the power of data

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      KSA drives content transformation in GCC

      Exploring the landscape of Arab cinema: Insights from Amman Projects Market 2023

      Exploring the landscape of Arab cinema: Insights from Amman Projects Market 2023

      An exploration of challenges brands face when implementing AR/VR at events

      An exploration of challenges brands face when implementing AR/VR at events

    • Interviews
      • All
      • Lounge
      Reshaping Arabsat’s future

      Reshaping Arabsat’s future

      Plotting an independent path

      Plotting an independent path

      New ASBU cloud platform offers silver lining to members

      New ASBU cloud platform offers silver lining to members

      Exclusive: Omar Hilal on ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’ ahead of theatrical release

      Exclusive: Omar Hilal on ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’ ahead of theatrical release

      Building on the Bedrock of Streaming

      Building on the Bedrock of Streaming

      Total inspiration

      Total inspiration

      Exploring France Médias Monde’s Middle East quest

      Exploring France Médias Monde’s Middle East quest

      Advanced Media’s Pejman Ghorbani on DJI’s new launches in MENA

      Advanced Media’s Pejman Ghorbani on DJI’s new launches in MENA

      Reel of Fortune

      Reel of Fortune

      Wired for adventure

      Wired for adventure

    • Products
    • Magazine Archive
      • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
      • PRO Directory
    • Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • News from Events
      El Gouna Film Festival postponed indefinitely

      El Gouna Film Festival postponed indefinitely

      Sharjah Media City participates in MIPCOM

      Sharjah Media City participates in MIPCOM

      Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

      Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

      Bahrain Film Festival to kick off on October 5

      Bahrain Film Festival to kick off on October 5

    No Result
    View All Result
    BroadcastPro ME
    • News
      • All
      • Podcasting
      • Cinema Theatres
      • Esports
      • TV/Radio Deals
      • Film partnerships
      • New appointments
      • Production
      • Mergers/Acquisitions
      • Satellite/Comms
      • AV
      • OTT/Video Streaming
      • International News
      • Analyst Reports
      • Satellite/Broadcasting
      Mohamed Karim and AGC Studios to co-produce ‘Judgment of the Dead’

      Mohamed Karim and AGC Studios to co-produce ‘Judgment of the Dead’

      Tata Advanced Systems and Satellogic to build LEO satellites in India

      Tata Advanced Systems and Satellogic to build LEO satellites in India

      Netflix to release Fatima Al-Banawi’s directorial debut ‘Basma’ in 2024

      Netflix to release Fatima Al-Banawi’s directorial debut ‘Basma’ in 2024

      El Gouna Film Festival 2023 opens applications for accreditation

      El Gouna Film Festival reopens accreditation for sixth edition

      Iranian film ‘Endless Borders’ bags Golden Peacock Award at International Film Festival of India

      Iranian film ‘Endless Borders’ bags Golden Peacock Award at International Film Festival of India

      Sharjah Film Platform announces programme for sixth edition

      Sharjah Film Platform announces programme for sixth edition

      IndiaCast and Viacom18 announce rebranding of ‘Aapka Colors’

      IndiaCast and Viacom18 announce rebranding of ‘Aapka Colors’

      Ithra and Film Clinic release BTS footage of ‘Hajjan’ ahead of premiere at Red Sea Film Festival

      Ithra and Film Clinic release BTS footage of ‘Hajjan’ ahead of premiere at Red Sea Film Festival

      Red Sea International Film Festival opens film submissions for second edition

      Red Sea Int’l Film Festival reveals jury and honoree awards for 2023 edition

      Saudi Arabia and US forge new space exploration agreement

      Saudi Arabia and US forge new space exploration agreement

      Trending Tags

      • broadcast
      • MENA broadcast
      • ConnecTech2019
    • Tech Features
      • All
      • CASE STUDIES
      • Virtual Production Series
      • REVIEWS
      • TV/Radio Deals
      • New Media
      Blinx blazes bold digital trail

      Blinx blazes bold digital trail

      Cloud for media, AI for media

      Cloud for media, AI for media

      Decoding AI and new technologies in media

      Decoding AI and new technologies in media

      Embracing the diversified media supply chain

      Embracing the diversified media supply chain

      Exploring the evolution of graphics with next-level data handling

      Exploring the evolution of graphics with next-level data handling

      How the IS-12 control protocol can help simplifying IP workflows

      How the IS-12 control protocol can help simplifying IP workflows

      Creating cricket for a multi-platform viewership

      Creating cricket for a multi-platform viewership

      Is Arabic content ready to compete at the Content Olympics?

      Is Arabic content ready to compete at the Content Olympics?

      Shaping the narrative

      Shaping the narrative

      Lights, Camera, Generative AI!

      Lights, Camera, Generative AI!

      Trending Tags

      • Videos
        Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

        Managing Through Constant Disruption

        Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

        The Future of Content Creation in MENA: Trends and Business Practices

        Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

        Game-Changing Trends in Sports Broadcasting

        Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

        Broadcast Tech Trends: IP, Cloud, AI and Edge Computing

        Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

        Mastering Virtual Production

        Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

        OTT Technologies: Building, Securing, and Delivering Content

        Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

        Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

        A fireside chat with Majed Al Suwaidi

        A fireside chat with Majed Al Suwaidi

        Panel Discussion : TV Broadcasting 2.0: Innovations in Generative AI, Cloud, and Streaming for the Future

        Presentation: Optimising Playout Costs: Maximising Automation Potential

      • Opinion
        A symbiotic future with linear OTT and VOD

        A symbiotic future with linear OTT and VOD

        New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

        ASBU BroadcastPro ME Summit and Awards returns for 13th edition

        How satellite, and advances in IP and cloud are enabling greater efficiency in broadcast

        How satellite, and advances in IP and cloud are enabling greater efficiency in broadcast

        IBC2023, the premise of a hybrid world?

        IBC2023, the premise of a hybrid world?

        Made in the UAE – with pride

        Insights from IBC 2023

        Generative AI Applications in OTT Development: A Paradigm Shift

        Generative AI Applications in OTT Development: A Paradigm Shift

        Unlocking the power of data

        Unlocking the power of data

        New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

        KSA drives content transformation in GCC

        Exploring the landscape of Arab cinema: Insights from Amman Projects Market 2023

        Exploring the landscape of Arab cinema: Insights from Amman Projects Market 2023

        An exploration of challenges brands face when implementing AR/VR at events

        An exploration of challenges brands face when implementing AR/VR at events

      • Interviews
        • All
        • Lounge
        Reshaping Arabsat’s future

        Reshaping Arabsat’s future

        Plotting an independent path

        Plotting an independent path

        New ASBU cloud platform offers silver lining to members

        New ASBU cloud platform offers silver lining to members

        Exclusive: Omar Hilal on ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’ ahead of theatrical release

        Exclusive: Omar Hilal on ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’ ahead of theatrical release

        Building on the Bedrock of Streaming

        Building on the Bedrock of Streaming

        Total inspiration

        Total inspiration

        Exploring France Médias Monde’s Middle East quest

        Exploring France Médias Monde’s Middle East quest

        Advanced Media’s Pejman Ghorbani on DJI’s new launches in MENA

        Advanced Media’s Pejman Ghorbani on DJI’s new launches in MENA

        Reel of Fortune

        Reel of Fortune

        Wired for adventure

        Wired for adventure

      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events
        • Upcoming Events
        • News from Events
        El Gouna Film Festival postponed indefinitely

        El Gouna Film Festival postponed indefinitely

        Sharjah Media City participates in MIPCOM

        Sharjah Media City participates in MIPCOM

        Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

        Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

        Bahrain Film Festival to kick off on October 5

        Bahrain Film Festival to kick off on October 5

      No Result
      View All Result
      BroadcastPro ME
      No Result
      View All Result
      Home Tech Features

      Decoding AI and new technologies in media

      Sarah Nathan by Sarah Nathan
      September 21, 2023
      in Tech Features
      Decoding AI and new technologies in media
      ShareTweetPostEmail

      Keeping up with the AI chatter in regional media, BroadcastPro ME hosted a webinar delving into the latest and greatest of AI and other trending technologies that have taken the broadcast world by storm. Sarah Nathan sums up the discussion.

      At the recent BroadcastPro Tech webinar, panellists shared their thoughts on AI, cloud, next-gen technologies and FAST business models. Moderated by BroadcastPro ME editor Vijaya Cherian, the panel discussion featured Manish Kapoor, Executive VP of Broadcast and Technology, Zee Entertainment Middle East; Salloum El Dahdaah, CEO of White Peaks, who attended with COO Jessy Abou Habib; Melvin Saldanha, OSN Director of Technology; and Suhail Ahmed, Advisor of Technology and Strategy at International Media Investments, the parent company of Sky News Arabia.

      Where do we stand in terms of artificial intelligence, and what is its future potential?

      AI is the latest murmur across the region’s media industry. Although the discussion revealed that the opportunities unlocked appear endless, it is largely being used for content localisation at present.

      “This is still the infancy of AI,” pointed out OSN’s Saldanha. At OSN, any acquired content goes through speech-to-text software before being passed to editorial, programming or language service departments for further curation and localisation. Since AI is not immune to error, human intervention is still called for.

      “Will you get a 100% correct result?” pondered Abou Habib. “Definitely not, but the result we are getting today is much better than what we used to get before.” Saldanha agreed, estimating that potentially complete accuracy is not that far away.

      Systems integrator White Peaks Solutions already offers clients several AI services. “You still need human intervention, but instead of spending two hours on each video, you spend about 15 minutes with our AI content moderation services,” explained Abou Habib.

      Suhail Ahmed, Advisor of Technology and Strategy, International Media Investments

      Meanwhile, at Zee, although AI has not yet been officially implemented, the broadcaster is getting a feel for its benefits, especially in India. With approximately 40 channels internationally, Zee boasts an extensive library of content and employs AI to dub and subtitle content for faster reach to international viewers and to filter specific scenes, characters and languages. “As a broadcaster, content creation is not there with AI as yet,” Kapoor reflected. “What is there is post-production, a bit of production and, of course, it can be used in the distribution of channels or other streams.”

      The panellists also concurred that while AI is here to stay, it will not replace humans. “AI cannot make the decision on your behalf,” explained El Dahdaah. “It can provide you different decisions whereby you choose one of them. It’s just here to accelerate your job.”

      Ahmed noted that such apprehension deters the region from unleashing its full potential. He noted that AI is “augmented intelligence” and brings greater efficiency to the workplace.

      Despite its services, however, AI comes with numerous complications, especially security. Errors could particularly transfer to external software and kickstart a chain of viruses. “If I build an app and I’m tricked into misclassifying data as real input, the output would be that the app carries a malware, which could be dangerous to a platform and could also bypass security. AI models that lack human oversight can lead to data poisoning,” Saldanha said.

      The region’s legislative and legal obstacles may discourage companies from adopting AI. El Dahdaah posited that Middle Eastern content is not as enriched with data as in the West. For instance, if companies wish to offer viewers the option to view IMDB databases of characters on their screens, content has not yet been indexed with this information. “We came late to this,” he commented. However, with the influx of companies joining the cloud, Ahmed is optimistic that data will be shared more freely between entities, opening up more prospects.

      Salloum El Dahdaah, CEO, White Peaks

      Another controversy is content creation. “If a story is written by AI, who owns the copyright? More importantly, if you recreate the voice of a dead actor for a programme, who then benefits from the revenue?” challenged Ahmed. “If we come up with a regulation that allows AI to have copyrights, that means they get a bank account. If they get a bank account, this leads to us agreeing that they exist. There are a lot of questions that need answers, especially on the ethical level.”

      Ahmed also highlighted that AI software, like humans, can fall victim to bias. Platforms like ChatGPT rely on existing datasets to inform data output. However, these platforms are often largely infused with Western and European datasets, as opposed to those from the Middle East. “How do we ensure that our region’s culture and art infuse the data that is often used for training these AIs?” wondered Ahmed. “If we were to do a Middle Eastern version of ChatGPT, it would make decisions differently because of different datasets and different training of those datasets.”

      How are cloud and next-gen technologies shaping the region’s media world?

      When the question of cloud arose, all panellists agreed that security and cost were still major deterrents for regional players. El Dahdaah explained that their solution to the security issue was to have the data in the cloud but provide access only via private networks. “We’re using the servers [the public] has, but we’re blocking all network access and just allowing a specific encrypted tunnel for connectivity,” he elaborated. “Whenever the tunnel is lost, it’s just the system running there on its own. At the end of the day, we need the infrastructure of these big systems and we see that as the way forward.”

      Saldanha hoped to phase out some OSN on-prem operations: “I can’t remember the last time I spent CAPEX investments on on-prem.” With the cloud comes greater capacity for flexibility and scalability. With the company having widely adopted cloud services, not only does this bring better large-scale streaming capabilities and higher concurrent viewership, but also the flexibility to scale up or down.

      Kapoor said that a hybrid solution is working for Zee. On the one hand, the flexibility of the cloud is useful for international ventures, especially subtitling. With cloud services, one channel with one subtitle language can become one channel with 12 subtitled languages – multiple channels can stem from one playout stream. Additionally, headaches of physical upgrades to hardware are eased as cloud vendors oversee all updates. Again, this promises efficient delivery of channels. On the other hand, some of Zee’s offerings in general entertainment and sports mean file-based channels, live events and sports content have last-minute graphics changes, making them better-suited to on-prem operations.

      “It’s not 100% cloud,” posited Manish. “Hybrid is still the way forward.” Ahmed pointed out that some tasks, like graphics, are still achievable on the cloud. “If your creative team is happy to adopt HTML-based graphics as opposed to traditional RTF-based graphics that we’ve known in the region, the change is instant. Again, the barrier is humans.”

      Manish Kapoor, Executive VP of Broadcast and Technology, Zee Entertainment Middle East

      A firm supporter of switching to cloud services, Ahmed was emphatic in his proposition to reinvent the traditional approach whereby broadcast companies purchase technologies using capital expenditure and spend operating expenditure on SLAs. Instead, a company could rely entirely on operational expenditure by switching to cloud services. This would even lower operating costs, since construction of data centres necessitates utility bills and civil costs and can take months to complete. Instead, the cloud allows visions and creative projects to materialise almost instantly. Costs are further minimised as the workloads of first-line maintenance and support staff are reduced.

      Commenting on the region’s apprehension of the security risks that accompany switching to cloud services, Ahmed claimed that safety is comparable to that of operating with private data centres: “[However], the efficiency would outweigh this risk.”

      Speaking about next-generation technologies, El Dahdaah brought in the context of caching dynamic content. With large-scale and heavily viewed live events such as the men’s World Cup, systems that can handle large influxes of registration and payments by eager users while still caching dynamic content are a must. Since modern audiences are growing, both on bigger screens and mobile phones, their hunger for content urges companies to make things content-accessible – that is, not only do last-mile delivery methods ensure that content reaches audiences, but audiences are also able to reach content, especially with lowered latencies.

      “About last-mile delivery, here, it’s becoming about both up and down, not just down,” he said. “It’s no longer about last mile on a country level; it’s also on a city level. You need to have more capacity at the levels of the cities whereby you lower latency.” White Peaks Solutions has addressed this by placing nodes across different parts of the UAE to help Asharq TV achieve low latency rates of less than 4Mbps.

      Again, however, the Middle East must rely on regional collaboration to keep up with its international counterparts. Since Western markets have connected IXs complete with fibre optics and numerous data centres, production output is guaranteed to reach centres in a few milliseconds. Despite the impressive infrastructure in some of its cities, the Middle East does not have this connectivity.

      “Practically speaking, we do not have this infrastructure ready,” El Dahdaah remarked. “We really need to go to that next step [and] have our IXs connected. Bandwidth is not a luxury. Connectivity is not a luxury. We need to have this understanding; it’s a must. If we don’t act fast, we’ll always see Europe, USA, Canada and all those countries get ahead of us.”

      Is recommendation at its best?

      Before diving in, Abou Habib clearly outlined the goal of personalised recommendation across the media realm: “When we talk about content personalisation and recommendations, we’re talking about a personalised homepage where you can find whatever you wish to consume and immediately have that content.”

      People spend 8-23 minutes searching for content, said Saldanha, and ultimately the goal is to bring this down. Streaming platforms rely on Customer 360 views, collecting viewing history, viewing duration and preferred platform metadata to inform future recommendations.

      Recommendation is yet another facet wherein AI can work wonders. Software could give companies the ability to create personalised trailers tailored to a viewer’s preference after understanding their viewing habits, preferred genres and commonly used keywords. “If I could look through all pieces of content, identify each and every object, scene, cast and crew member and have that data onscreen, I can curate that to be used for my search recommendations for better content presentation,” explained Saldanha.

      Additionally, AI can facilitate the intricate breakdown of a title in terms of tags. For instance, a movie or TV show title can be broken down into percentages of the genres it falls into. “If you could put all of these ratings together, that’ll help you build the best recommendation, because you’re going finer,” Saldanha continued.

      However, Abou Habib highlighted a caveat to recruiting AI in tagging – although it might be efficient in recognising actors, locations and genres, it cannot tap into what theme or morals a piece of content might be preaching. “Betrayal, for instance,” she pointed out. “When there are human emotions and feelings, you will need human intervention.”

      Jessy Abou Habib, COO, White Peaks

      Saldanha went on to outline the holy grail of collecting data to inform personalisation and recommendation software. Machine learning could be trained to analyse viewers’ content consumption based on time of day, day of the week and preferred form of content, depending on what platform the viewer uses – YouTube’s short form or a streaming platform’s long form, for example. Coupled with viewers’ social media patterns and their affinity for certain genres, this information could inform AI models’ output of recommended content.

      However, he was resolute that these measures should adhere to GDPR regulations and guidelines. “If I can understand patterns through machine learning and deep learning, data collection sitting strictly within GDPR, I could serve customers exactly what they want to watch. Generative and super AI is going to give us all the tools that we need to build better recommendations. If I could get links into all of these feeds, I can build something more unique and personalised, which then can also be used for targeted advertising, content monetisation and performance improvement. Depending on where you’re watching and on what device you’re watching, I can give specific content in that format. It just opens up a plethora of opportunities if we have the tools in place.”

      Is FAST the future?

      The FAST approach offers new monetisation opportunities for content-rich channels, production/ streaming companies and hungry advertisers, said Abou Habib, describing FAST as win-win. “If you have content, a platform on which to publish that content and advertisers waiting for you to monetise this, why not? It’s a perfect combination. I see FAST as cost-effective entertainment. That’s why it’s such a big hit right now.”

      Over the years, Saldanha has recognised three types of viewers: subscribers, hybrid customers who have subscriptions but still enjoy linear or alternative viewing, and customers who do not want to pay for subscriptions. The last one is where FAST shines.

      El Dahdaah cautioned that the FAST business model should be reserved for larger players who already have huge content libraries and can have “50 or 60 aggregated channels”, citing Zee and Rotana as examples. However, he asserted that FAST will not work for startups with little content.

      Melvin Saldanha, Director of Technology, OSN

      Kapoor confirmed that Zee benefits from the FAST model and has taken a steady and structured approach to creating FAST channels. For instance, advertisements are being carefully and strategically placed to ensure dialogue and prominent scenes are not interrupted. Importantly, adopting FAST has cut Zee’s costs while keeping things exciting for viewers.

      “What we’re using is a mixture of old and new content,” he explained. “We try to create a different set of contents where the investment to bring the content to customers is far lower. We allow platforms to dictate taking it further and localising it based on how they can distribute the channel. That’s the advantage we want to take.” However, he pointed out that simply recycling old content for months on end may at some point bore viewers. To keep things dynamic, companies should continue to carefully curate content that invites genuine interest.

      Comparing FAST in the region to FAST abroad, Abou Habib highlighted a key difference – those abroad are traditionally done by the bigger players like telcos or cable operators, whereas in the region, individual streaming services or networks have adopted it.

      The panel concluded with agreement that a think tank is needed to optimise the regional implementation of AI. A recommendation was made to start an AI group, which BroadcastPro has now created on LinkedIn, with all industry professionals welcome to join.

      “Creation of such a group may help us catch up or put us ahead of how AI is being used in other regions,” Ahmed opined. Saldanha agreed, adding that discussions surrounding AI should adhere to the five Cs: clear vision, change management, communication, collaboration and continuous learning.

      Tags: FAST modelcopyrightBroadcast and TechnologyfeaturedpostSalloum El DahdaahWhite PeaksVijaya Cherianchange managementJessy Abou HabibOSNcollaborationmalwareBroadcastProcommunicationIMDB databasesSuhail AhmedManish KapoorAI chatterFASTMelvin SaldanhaInternational Media InvestmentsZee Entertainment Middle EastChatGPTLinkedInBroadcastPro Tech WebinarAI

      Related Posts

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      The impact of AI on the broadcast industry

      August 4, 2023

      Related News

      The impact of AI on the broadcast industry

      The impact of AI on the broadcast industry

      August 4, 2023
      More Related News

      Popular Stories

      • OSN+ and Anghami announce merger to transform MENA entertainment

        OSN+ and Anghami announce merger to transform MENA entertainment

        840 shares
        Share 336 Tweet 210
      • Film AlUla becomes strategic sponsor for two awards at Red Sea Int’l Film Festival

        671 shares
        Share 268 Tweet 168
      • Indian filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts to manage cinemas across KSA

        665 shares
        Share 266 Tweet 166
      • Manga Productions secures licensing deal with Production I.G for ‘Great Pretender razbliuto’

        664 shares
        Share 266 Tweet 166
      • BeIN Sports marks FIFA WC Qatar 2022 anniversary with month-long special broadcast coverage 

        663 shares
        Share 265 Tweet 166

      BroadcastPro ME

      • About
      • Advertise
      • Subscribe
      • Magazine Archive
      • Directory
      • Contact
      • Privacy

      Follow us on Social Media

      No Result
      View All Result
      • News
      • Tech Features
      • Videos
      • Opinion
      • Interviews
      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events

      Login to your account below

      Forgotten Password?

      Fill the forms bellow to register

      All fields are required. Log In

      Retrieve your password

      Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

      Log In
      ×