DIGITAL FIRST, DIGITAL FIRST… there’s lots of rumblings about this in the TV sector right now & many are unclear on what it is or how it affects themShort-form has embraced the digital first sphere for some time; those of us fortunate enough to have worked in both understand the benefits for client, the varying... Read more
DIGITAL FIRST, DIGITAL FIRST… there’s lots of rumblings about this in the TV sector right now & many are unclear on what it is or how it affects them
Short-form has embraced the digital first sphere for some time; those of us fortunate enough to have worked in both understand the benefits for client, the varying workflows & the ways to make digital first strategy more cost effective & thus attractive
Whilst streamers have been digital only in their existence there is a huge shift now in traditional TV platforms taking a more digital first approach - & it is indeed contributing to the current #offairnightmare but it’s absolutely not the cause
Before you go hurtling towards your nearest training centre to ‘learn digital’ please remember that the phrase - in the context it is being discussed in the TV crisis - is about how we transmit programmes / how they are being watched, and not a huge shift in how they are being made… to create a show for online you still need a team, kit, locations… albeit the worlds of green screen and AI are certainly having an impact on elements of this!
The currently talked about stage of digital transformation of the TV industry, is around the fact broadcasters now think “digital first” by seeing online as a central part of their video service rather than just a bolt-on. Post the boom of the internet, most established media organisations still prioritised traditional media services and platforms. Now the confirmation that nearly all broadcasters are taking a digital first path simply means that’s changed… the focus now is where viewers can more readily access and thus have ease of viewing TV and content
Due to a generational shift, our programmes are being watched less and less on an actual TV, and rarely at actual time of traditional transmission, and younger people want shorter and faster formats too
Digital first strategies are intended to get broadcasters into the right shape for the viewing shift, and protect long-term sustainability: focusing investment in distinctive, streaming-friendly British content and social media; growing diversified revenue streams; and reengineering business to become leaner, simpler and nimbler, divesting from legacy operations to support digital priorities
Yes the shift feels as mean as whipping off a band aid… but it’s been a long time coming for many and sadly is resulting in redundancies and fewer freelance roles currently… but I think it’s a small part of a much bigger set of problems in so far as the crisis goes. More on that in another post
So really what I’m saying is don’t panic re not having the right skills for ‘digital first’ programme making… although enhancing and updating the skill set we all have never hurt anyone
Very happy to do some digital development / budgeting / workflow sessions with anyone who wants to and if anyone wants to help me with my desire to learn basic editing (for me… I’m not about to try and become an editor) that would be lovely too
Short-form has embraced the digital first sphere for some time; those of us fortunate enough to have worked in both understand the benefits for client, the varying workflows & the ways to make digital first strategy more cost effective & thus attractive
Whilst streamers have been digital only in their existence there is a huge shift now in traditional TV platforms taking a more digital first approach - & it is indeed contributing to the current #offairnightmare but it’s absolutely not the cause
Before you go hurtling towards your nearest training centre to ‘learn digital’ please remember that the phrase - in the context it is being discussed in the TV crisis - is about how we transmit programmes / how they are being watched, and not a huge shift in how they are being made… to create a show for online you still need a team, kit, locations… albeit the worlds of green screen and AI are certainly having an impact on elements of this!
The currently talked about stage of digital transformation of the TV industry, is around the fact broadcasters now think “digital first” by seeing online as a central part of their video service rather than just a bolt-on. Post the boom of the internet, most established media organisations still prioritised traditional media services and platforms. Now the confirmation that nearly all broadcasters are taking a digital first path simply means that’s changed… the focus now is where viewers can more readily access and thus have ease of viewing TV and content
Due to a generational shift, our programmes are being watched less and less on an actual TV, and rarely at actual time of traditional transmission, and younger people want shorter and faster formats too
Digital first strategies are intended to get broadcasters into the right shape for the viewing shift, and protect long-term sustainability: focusing investment in distinctive, streaming-friendly British content and social media; growing diversified revenue streams; and reengineering business to become leaner, simpler and nimbler, divesting from legacy operations to support digital priorities
Yes the shift feels as mean as whipping off a band aid… but it’s been a long time coming for many and sadly is resulting in redundancies and fewer freelance roles currently… but I think it’s a small part of a much bigger set of problems in so far as the crisis goes. More on that in another post
So really what I’m saying is don’t panic re not having the right skills for ‘digital first’ programme making… although enhancing and updating the skill set we all have never hurt anyone
Very happy to do some digital development / budgeting / workflow sessions with anyone who wants to and if anyone wants to help me with my desire to learn basic editing (for me… I’m not about to try and become an editor) that would be lovely too
