What’s surprised you the most about the media technology industry in 2025?
One thing that hasn’t surprised me at all is the acceleration of standards-led innovation, especially around Media eXchange Layer (MXL). Initiatives like MXL are critical to simplifying increasingly complex video production environments and supporting greater scale without spiraling costs. While we’re still in the early stages of adoption, we’re incredibly excited about the direction of travel MXL opens up for our industry.
Meanwhile, Next Generation Audio (NGA) is moving from a future concept to something audiences increasingly expect. Viewers now want richer, more personalised sound experiences, and broadcasters are realising that “good enough” audio no longer meets the mark, especially when close to 4 billion consumer devices already support immersive formats. It still surprises me that many broadcasters and platforms overlook the importance of audio in acquiring and retaining audiences. People are used to exceptional listening experiences on personal devices and modern entertainment venues. They deserve it on TV screens too – and they’ll grow frustrated with services that consistently fall short.
What new ideas/technologies have caught your attention, and why?
NGA, and immersive audio generally, have been some of the most interesting developments this year, as more broadcasters look for ways to offer richer, more personalised sound on the devices people already use every day. At the same time, there’s a clear shift–both in mindset and investment strategy–toward future-ready, software-based systems that complement traditional hardware with more flexible and cost-effective tools. These types of virtualised audio processing and intercom platforms are easier to scale, quicker to update and far more adaptable for different production setups. Hybrid cloud models are gaining traction and emerging as the clear choice for many, giving broadcasters the stability of on-prem infrastructure while harnessing cloud elasticity to handle high traffic during major live events.
What would you say has been the biggest talking point of the year, and why?
From a technology standpoint, live sports continue to power innovation and buying decisions across the industry. Major tournaments and global events–with surging rights valuations–place huge pressure on broadcasters to deliver flawless, flexible and scalable audio workflows that can handle peak demand. Major streaming platforms are investing heavily in live sports strategies, just look at Netflix’s blockbuster bout between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua. As more big players secure rights to global events, they’re also exploring new audio features such as multi-language commentary, tailored event versions and more accessible listening options to meet audiences in every market.
As we come to the end of the year, are you more optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the industry? Please explain why.
We’re feeling positive about where the industry is heading. California is taking the lead on modernising loudness regulation by introducing SB 576–a new law that requires streaming services to keep commercial volumes in line with the programmes they accompany, extending the principles of the original CALM Act. Rather than treating this as a compliance challenge, the industry is using it as a catalyst to modernise and future-proof loudness control, ultimately delivering better experiences for viewers. It’s also encouraging broader conversations about how to align audio practices across regions and platforms, creating more consistency worldwide.
What one word would you use to sum up the industry right now?
Adaptive.
Broadcasters are adapting fast. So are vendors. Embracing virtualised tools, exploring hybrid production models, and meeting new expectations around audio quality. Those who don’t risk falling behind.
What are you looking forward to in 2026?
The global conversation around loudness control will be top of mind next year, with more regions and major streaming platforms following California’s lead in tightening standards for consistent audio levels. AI-enhanced production tools will also become more common in audio, helping teams streamline mundane tasks, detect anomalies and support personalisation.
From an audio experience standpoint, interest and confidence in immersive sound and NGA will grow. Broadcasters will be preparing to deliver more immersive, customisable audio at scale–especially with a major sporting year ahead. 2026 should be the year the industry moves beyond ‘good enough’ and delivers the deeper, more flexible audio experiences viewers have been waiting for.
