The changing landscape of media consumption has pushed industry players to evolve swiftly. At the forefront of this shift is MediaHub Australia, a major playout center catering to a vast segment of the Australian market, with extensions into the Asia-Pacific region and the UK.
Alan Sweeney, CEO of MediaHub Australia, provided insights into the company’s mission and future endeavors during an interview at the IBC Show 2023 held in Amsterdam. The core of MediaHub’s objective revolves around its efforts to be ahead of the technological curve. “The world of consumption is changing. Our younger consumers snack on the go, using all their mobile devices,” Sweeney noted. This dynamic shift indicates that the era of linear broadcasting is fading, making way for newer, stronger modes of viewing.
But recognizing this change is only part of the challenge. Sweeney emphasized the importance of adaptive systems. “It’s not just knowing that consumption habits are changing. We need systems that are resilient enough to reflect these changing viewing habits. And they need to flex with them so that we don’t waste investment,” he elaborated.
A critical observation Sweeney highlighted was the departure from massive capital expenditure in favor of more scalable, consumption-based models. “The days of the big CapEx spend are over. It’s now about ensuring your systems are viable, but on a consumption basis. So you pay as you go.”
When asked if the rise of streaming platforms had led to this shift away from traditional TV broadcasting forms, Sweeney concurred, “It hasn’t taken over yet. But the writing’s on the wall.”
The IBC Show, known for showcasing innovative products and offering a platform for industry discussions, served as an opportunity for MediaHub’s CEO to gauge the direction in which the industry is headed. Reflecting on his time at the event, Sweeney appeared optimistic. “I’ve seen some really good products. I’m starting to form a very clear picture in my mind now about where we need to go.” With a target set, Sweeney aims to bring about and implement significant changes within the next two years for MediaHub.
The television and media broadcasting world stands at a pivotal juncture, with traditional modes seeing a decline and newer, more versatile platforms emerging. For companies like MediaHub Australia, the task is clear – evolve with the times, and prioritize scalability and flexibility to ensure that investments are optimized for the future.