Celebrating innovation in media: A look at the IBC Innovation Awards

The IBC Innovation Awards are back, and this year’s finalists are a testament to the incredible strides being made in media, entertainment, and technology. The awards ceremony, set to take place on September 15 at the RAI Amsterdam during the annual IBC Convention, will honor collaborative initiatives across five categories: Content Creation, Content Distribution, Content Everywhere, Social Impact, and Environment & Sustainability.

Recognizing excellence in content creation

The Content Creation category highlights groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of storytelling and production. Among the nominees:

The National Football League, ESPN, Disney/Pixar, and Beyond Sports for their innovative fully animated, real-time NFL alternative broadcast set in the Toy Story universe. This project merges the excitement of live sports with the whimsical world of animation, creating a unique viewing experience for fans of all ages. Check out the Toy Story universe for more details.
Olympic Broadcasting Services and partners for their live broadcast production of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, utilizing over 200 smartphones and a sea-based 5G network for sailing competitions in Marseille. This initiative showcases the power of mobile technology in delivering high-quality live broadcasts. Learn more about the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony.
Aspire for collaborating with Vislink and FocalPoint VR to develop a virtual reality over RF wireless solution for the inaugural season of Aspire’s Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). This project brings the thrill of autonomous racing to life through immersive VR experiences. Discover more about the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League.

Pioneering content distribution

In the Content Distribution category, nominees are recognized for their innovative approaches to delivering content to audiences worldwide:

Claro for revolutionizing pay TV in Brazil by integrating streaming channels and applications, offering consumers a comprehensive entertainment package. This approach bridges traditional and modern viewing habits, catering to a diverse audience.
NBCUniversal Operations and Technology for transforming the delivery of its TV channels globally, ensuring seamless and efficient content distribution. This project highlights the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape.
The National Hockey League in partnership with Verizon, AWS, Zixi, Vizrt, and Evertz, for developing a 5G and Edge compute framework for live broadcast assembly, control, and delivery. This initiative leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the live sports viewing experience. Explore more about the National Hockey League.

Enhancing content everywhere

The Content Everywhere category celebrates projects that make content accessible and engaging across various platforms:

LaLiga for collaborating with Play Anywhere and Ease Live to enable true fan interactivity for its global broadcast and streaming partners. This project enhances the fan experience by integrating interactive features into live sports broadcasts. Learn more about LaLiga.
Red Bull Media House for combining real-time GPS tracking, data management, and advanced visualization to transform the viewing experience across live broadcasts, web widgets, and AR mobile apps. This initiative showcases the potential of data-driven storytelling in sports and entertainment. Discover more about Red Bull Media House.
Franceinfo (France Télévisions) for working with PimpMyCompany to aggregate text, audio, video, and photo messages from various platforms and broadcast them live on air. This project demonstrates the power of multimedia integration in news broadcasting. Explore more about Franceinfo.

Making a social impact

The Social Impact category honors projects that use media and technology to make a positive difference in society:

Disney Star, Star Sports for partnering with India Signing Hands to bring cricket to millions of hard-of-hearing and visually impaired fans watching IPL 2024. This initiative promotes inclusivity in sports broadcasting. Learn more about IPL 2024.
CultureQ for developing a technology platform with indigenous-owned tech company Kiwa Digital, enabling indigenous peoples globally to revitalize their language and culture while retaining sovereignty. This project highlights the role of technology in cultural preservation.
Sesame Workshop for its Watch Play Learn Distribution Hub, which allows government agencies and aid organizations to preview and request videos for children in crisis settings. This initiative underscores the importance of educational content in supporting vulnerable communities. Discover more about Sesame Workshop.

Promoting sustainability in media

The Environment & Sustainability category recognizes efforts to reduce the environmental impact of media production and distribution:

France Télévisions for reducing CO2 emissions by 300 tons through a pioneering 100% glass-to-glass cloud production and private 5G network. This project sets a benchmark for sustainable broadcasting practices. Learn more about France Télévisions.
GreeningofStreaming for addressing the energy impact of the streaming sector, with international reach and over 30 member organizations. This initiative highlights the need for sustainable practices in the growing streaming industry.
Anton/Bauer for Salt-E Dog, which harnesses the power of sodium chemistry to enable sustainable television production practices. This project showcases innovative solutions for reducing the environmental footprint of media production.

The IBC Innovation Awards celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of the media and entertainment industry. These projects not only push the boundaries of what is possible but also demonstrate the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of media.