On November 7, 2024, industry experts gathered in Geneva for an insightful ITU workshop to discuss the future of television in Europe. Led by Professor Pilar Orero (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), the session addressed transformative trends and challenges, particularly focusing on accessibility and personalisation within media content.
Here’s a summary of the workshop’s core themes and the exciting projects shaping tomorrow’s TV landscape.
The Shift to Cloud-Native Media
The move toward cloud-native media is set to redefine content creation and delivery. As media becomes cloud-centric, workflows will evolve, enabling greater flexibility and collaboration. By breaking down content into distinct digital assets, creators can craft interactive, branching narratives that enhance viewer engagement. This shift is not only about operational efficiency but also opens doors for innovative storytelling formats tailored to individual preferences.
Challenges in Creating Accessible Media
Accessibility in media remains a top priority, especially with diverse audiences and language barriers across Europe. Professor Orero highlighted the pressing need to develop robust data for automation, improve object-based cybersecurity, and ensure sustainable practices in digital asset management. As media assets become more complex, there’s an urgent need to standardise tagging, packaging, and adaptation for varied user consumption.
Emerging Accessibility Tools
To make television more inclusive, a range of new tools is being developed. For instance:
- Sign Language and Audio Descriptions: Interactive content now includes adaptable subtitles, signing avatars, and haptic feedback to convey sounds and emotions.
- Personalised Accessibility Options: Viewers can personalise features such as subtitles and audio descriptions, catering content to their unique needs.
- Advanced Translation Capabilities: Beyond traditional translation, the new tools will translate dialogue and accessibility features, including audio descriptions and sign language, into multiple languages, enhancing cross-cultural communication in the EU.
MOSAIC: Leading Innovation in Accessible Media
Funded by the European Union, the MOSAIC project is pioneering advances in media accessibility.
MOSAIC is a multilingual, AI-based hub centralizing content for the European media market. By promoting multimodal access, it ensures that language and accessibility features are integrated directly into media workflows.
A Collaborative Future
The future of television in Europe is bright, driven by a commitment to innovation and inclusivity. As media platforms adopt cloud-native architectures and embrace accessibility, the industry moves closer to a future where everyone can engage meaningfully with content. With initiatives like MOSAIC paving the way, Europe’s television landscape is evolving into a model of accessibility, personalisation, and cross-cultural interaction.
This workshop offered a glimpse into a dynamic future where technology and accessibility merge, providing a richer and more inclusive viewing experience. As these projects unfold, we can expect more innovations to emerge, making European media truly accessible to all.