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.”
Netflix to expand ad supported plan in Europe
Netflix’s ad supported plan is to expand to nine new European countries next year.
BBC Studios hires Sally Habbershaw as President of Global Distribution
BBC Studios has appointed Sally Habbershaw as President of Global Distribution, responsible for leading the company’s worldwide content sales business.
Arqiva calls for ‘managed’ 2044 digital terrestrial TV switch off
Broadcast infrastructure firm Arqiva has called for the government to switch off digital terrestrial television (DTT) in 2044.
Canal+ CTO Stéphane Baumier appointed Chairman of Irdeto
Stéphane Baumier, Chief Technology Officer at French pay-TV giant Canal+, has been named Chairman of Irdeto, the digital platform cybersecurity company.
BBC heading for avoidable “doom spiral” with constant cuts, says NUJ
The BBC risks becoming trapped in an avoidable “doom spiral,” the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned ahead of a round of cuts expected to be announced next week.



