AI is front and centre of skills and training for the industry with a clear opportunity for vendors to grasp, according to new research unveiled at the World Skills Café (WSC) at IBC2025.
“AI wasn’t mentioned at all at our first event at IBC2024, but this year it will be at the forefront of nearly every conversation across all parts of the industry,” said Carrie Wootten, Co-Founder of Media Talent Manifesto, which organises the WSC.
It will also be woven across the IBC Talent Programme, which takes place today on the Hackfest Stage in Hall 14. This event is dedicated to empowering the next generation of professionals shaping media, entertainment and technology.
Media companies already have three times as many specialist AI roles as those outside the sector, Angeliki Megariti of Caretta Research told the WSC audience.
“The biggest barrier for broadcast and media buyers is a lack of AI skills within their organisation," she said. "Most companies are eager to use AI rather than develop deep knowledge. Buyers want AI embedded in their standard tools. They see it more as a feature than a product itself.”
She then highlighted that this creates an opportunity for vendors to enable AI adoption without heavy investment.
“Most AI teams are currently small and focused on automating routine tasks, reducing costs and boosting creativity,” Megariti said. “We are at the point where vendors are selling and buyers want to use AI, but the lack of skills is slowing everyone down.”
Fubo TV names Alisa Bowen as CEO
Fubo TV names Alisa Bowen as CEO Sports and entertainment streamer Fubo TV has hired Disney executive Alisa Bowen as Chief Executive.
ITV scores with 18m audience for England quarter-final victory
A peak audience of 18m viewers watched ITV's coverage of England's World quarter-final victory against Norway on Saturday, June 11, its biggest peak audience since the Euro 2024 Final.
Arri sells global rental business
Camera and lighting manufacturer Arri is planning to sell its global rental activities in Europe, the UK, and North America to H2 Equity Partners, as part of a management buy-out.
IBC2026 Conference tackles AI in action, live sport, creator disruption and trust in content
The full three-day conference programme for IBC2026 is now live, featuring speakers from Netflix, YouTube, BBC Studios, Google, Banijay, Meta, Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN, FIFA, Globo, ITV, JioStar, OBS, and more.
Banijay and All3Media complete mega-merger
Banijay Entertainment and All3Media have completed their mega-merger, creating the world’s largest independent production company.



