I catch up with Kym Niblock, Chief Transformation Officer at Sky New Zealand, on her first visit to IBC in nine years. We discuss the evolution of streaming in New Zealand and Australia, audiences who move between subscriptions to follow particular programmes, and the importance of local stories that can also find an international audience. Kym outlines what she’s exploring at the show as Sky looks towards its next phase: updating legacy technology, improving content processing, and considering the future mix of satellite and IP distribution.

We also explore how AI-enriched metadata can support personalised experiences, contextual advertising and content compliance, including where human judgement remains essential. Kym shares demonstrations that caught her attention, from moving vertical video onto the TV to generating animation from a children’s book. Has the industry moved beyond “AI for AI’s sake” towards solving practical problems? We discuss that shift, the prospect of increasingly personalised content, and whether our ability to understand and manage AI can keep pace with its development.

Watch the full episode below and share or comment on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

00:00 Reconnecting at IBC: A Journey Through Time
02:49 The Evolution of Media in New Zealand
06:00 Content Creation and Local Influence
08:56 Innovations in Metadata and Content Processing
11:46 AI’s Impact on the Media Landscape
15:09 The Future of AI and Media Technology

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