The annual IBC Conference Programme kicked off today. This morning began with a keynote session to assess the health of broadcast TV. In an era of online distribution and on-demand consumption, the broadcast industry faces new challenges and opportunities. Panelists discussed their strategies and visions of the future in terms of fitting into an increasingly on-demand and IP-based world.
With the pulse set for the Conference, David Abraham, CEO of EBU Member Channel 4, opened the Leader’s Summit with a more in-depth discussion about the challenges faced by public broadcasters and how Channel 4 is innovating in the era of online distribution.
The IBC Leaders’ Summit is an invitation only event for 150 leaders of the electronic media and entertainment industry. EBU’s Director General, Ingrid Deltenre took part in a session entitled “Preparing for the future” discussing a 5 year roadmap for the future of the industry. The Summit is designed specifically for the most influential and visionary individuals at the top of the industry and takes place behind closed doors to enable delegates to speak their mind and address current topics of interest to the broadcasting community.
Deltenre emphasized the crucial role that public service media plays for European societies. She expressed her concern regarding the impact of market consolidation and the challenges this this brings to public service media broadcasters but also, highlighted the opportunities for innovations in this area.
Another highlight of the day was the much anticipated, Great Spectrum Debate taking place in conjunction to the Leaders’ Summit at the Conference. Here, EBU Director of Technology & Innovation, Simon Fell, spoke alongside other representatives from the broadcasting industry reinforcing how essential access to UHF spectrum is for meeting the universal obligations of public service broadcasters and delivering free-to-air television to mass audiences.
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