Broadcast and media technology is becoming ever more complex as a growing number of linear radio and television channels are supplemented by new types of content and delivery platforms including on-demand content, digital multi-channel services, and internet, IPTV and mobile services.
At the same time new technology is fundamentally changing the way broadcasters and others acquire, produce and deliver content characterised by the move from hardware-based infrastructure to software systems. And the top-down concept of a one-way flow of content from media companies to audiences is being challenged by the rise in user-generated content, itself enabled by the falling cost of basic cameras and editing software.
The IABM has developed a new model of the broadcast, media and entertainment business to aid understanding of the changes taking place. For the first time, the entire industry has been modelled in a way that accounts for developments in production and infrastructure technology, new delivery platforms new types of content producer and new business models.
Click here to view the IABM Industry Model
It is sufficiently flexible to accommodate market developments such as the replacement of some equipment supply with managed services and outsourcing arrangements; and the co-existence of broadcast, IT and telecoms infrastructures. This model is far more sophisticated than other's attempts which focus solely on a linear production process.
The new IABM model incorporates this functional element in its process thread comprising content creation, production and playout and distribution (including delivery via multiple platforms). However on top of this process thread are other vital components of the industry typically omitted from other simplistic models.
The infrastructure thread underscores this end-to-end process, and incorporates both "traditional" broadcast infrastructure and "traditional" IT infrastructure. Most important, it identifies the fact that the two are typically converging, with IT infrastructure forming a core part of the overall broadcast environment. Less than 10 years ago, IT infrastructure was mostly limited to desktop applications, yet now it is as likely to transport media for broadcast as an SDI coax cable.
This is not just limited to the infrastucture within a particular facility - it includes the infrastructure used to transport media from its production location to the point of playout, and - with the development of internet and IPTV delivery - can extend as far as external telecom companies or even to consumers.
The industry model's management thread includes the activities of the customers, including broadcasters and other content creators/aggregators, that go beyond the core create/produce/deliver workflows. This includes their internal processes of workflow, process automation, scheduling and rights management, and internal resource management.
The supplier thread encompasses not only products and services sold by suppliers but also their other management functions including R&D, channels management and customer support.
A key part of the model is the segmentation of the technology products and services themselves. Nine broad product segments are defined which reflect the overall structure of the model, comprising acquisition & production, post production, infrastructure, audio, storage, system automation & control, playout & delivery, test & monitoring, and services. At a deeper level of detail (not illustrated here) each segment is further divided into functional sub-segments and product categories.
This industry model is an evolving piece of work and updated versions will be available on this website.
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