10
March 2016
NEWS & VIEWS
Broadcasters configure their own bidirectional interface with WHATS ’ On
As a broadcaster you want to be ready for the future , with a landscape that gives you the flexibility and agility to run your operations cost-efficiently .
But how do you set up a core solution that allows you to adapt to the continuous stream of new technologies , integration requirements and other changes in the business ecosystem ?
An open API is key Not a single ( fixed ) API ( Application Programme Interface ) will fit all integrations , no matter how much you have it customised and adapted to new requirements . You can ’ t possibly predict the future . It is the conviction of MediaGeniX that you are better off if you are given the right tools to take APIs into your own hands .
MediaGeniX has been developing , implementing and supporting the WHATS ’ On broadcast management system for almost a quarter of a century . Used as a backbone system by broadcasters worldwide , importing and exporting information to and from WHATS ’ On is therefore essential for company-wide efficient processes .
That is why we believe our customers should be able to embed WHATS ’ On and WHATS ’ On data into their environment with minimal intervention from MediaGeniX .
Bidirectional Great effort has always gone into making all data in WHATS ’ On available to external systems in a simple and dynamic way . From its conception , XML and XSLT have been embraced as the means to provide administrators with the tools to extract any data from the system and shape it in any form required ; through files or using
It is the conviction of MediaGeniX that you are better off if you are given the right tools to take APIs into your own hands .
Johan Vanmarcke , Managing
Director of Asia , MediaGeniX
SOAP ( Simple Object Access Protocol ) or REST ( Representational State Transfer ) APIs .
Beyond this , MediaGeniX has been extending the possibilities for external systems to enter and update data in WHATS ’ On . Existing tools such as XML filters , reporting tools and the model-based importer framework were consolidated into the configurable REST API , which has become the de facto industry standard for integrations . The REST API is a programming interface where you can connect URLs that reference , say , WHATS ’ On data with the operation ’ s Search , Export , Update and Create functions .
Configurable Many broadcasters are exploring the full potential of WHATS ’ On ’ s open API capabilities . NRK and NPO , for instance , enter titles , durations and music cue sheets .
There are many benefits . Broadcasters can , for instance , enter cue sheet information into WHATS ’ On without having to retype the data . They only need to create a specific form filled in by the production company and have the data imported . Broadcasters can also create a Web application used by production companies to add information into the system .
In other cases , distributors typically provide an electronic press kit for programmes . While this press kit is typically the same format per distributor , it may differ greatly over distributors . All it takes is mapping each file to the correct fields . There is no need to retype the data into the system , nor a need for external support .
The open API of WHATS ’ On is an insightful solution for bidirectional exchange of information with thirdparty systems , and gives broadcasters the power to configure an integration rather than having it built . q
Singapore content producers want launchpad to go regional – and beyond
SINGAPORE – In the first initiative arising from a new partnership between HBO Asia and the Media Development Authority of Singapore ( MDA ), the former conducted a training forum last December in Singapore , which allowed participants to gain first-hand insight into HBO ’ s complete production process — from pitching of an idea through development , practical production and risk management .
Participants were made up of Singaporebased production companies and independent practitioners , including Galen Yeo , creative director at The Moving Visuals Co , a TV production company providing creative solutions for TV channels and various media platforms .
Think big and focus on regional audiences and genre filmmaking , and watch out for sensitive issues , particularly for Asian culture , were Yeo ’ s key takeaways from the forum , as he and fellow local producers aim to emulate the successes of HBO . He told APB : “ As filmmakers , we will have to focus on being commercial and relevant both to channels ’ standards and regional audiences … when you look at Game of Thrones ( an HBO production ), which is the most expensive TV production and is CGIintensive — that does set a high bar .”
Having a great idea is not enough , it needs to be solidly packaged to be inclusive of a sound marketing model , suggested Oman Dhas , founder , director and executive producer , Third Floor Pictures , a boutique house focusing on high-end TV and film productions . Dhas , who was also an attendee at the HBO forum , said : “ The industry needs to have a
The Moving Visuals Co ’ s Galen Yeo : “ There will always be a place for Singapore-only programming , but the question is whether we can do more in the regional space , and be successful there .”
WELLINGTON – New Zealand free-to-air broadcaster Television New Zealand ( TVNZ ) will deliver the most expensive free-to-air coverage of a Commonwealth Games in New Zealand ’ s history as part of a new broadcast rights deal .
Having secured exclusive rights to the next edition of the Games , which will take place from 4-15 April 2018 on Australia ’ s Gold Coast , TVNZ will offer viewers the best of the live action every day on-air through TV One and TVNZ ’ s sports channel , in addition to live online streaming , highlights and delayed broadcasts
good understanding of regional audience tastes . In my opinion , this could be cultivated from multi-company / country collaborations .”
Giving his seal of approval to the HBO training forum , Dhas welcomes similar events to be held in the future , believing that these initiatives allow smaller companies to “ think big ” and have the opportunity to meet and benefit from global players such as HBO . “ For example , as content presentation styles change over time , there are more online channels opening outside of Singapore and local content providers can potentially benefit from this … if there are initiatives to introduce us to these opportunities .”
As a Singapore content producer , the constant challenge is to remain relevant to both Asian and international audiences , suggested Yeo . “ As producers , we need to innovate and keep up with programming trends everywhere because everyone is watching everything ,” he added .
“ There will always be a place for Singapore-only programming , but the question is whether we can do more in the regional space , and be successful there .”
While lauding the support of MDA , Yeo urged Singapore terrestrial broadcaster Mediacorp to work more closely together with local producers to co-produce content for regional markets , and to do more to promote Singapore ’ s local production companies and works , which currently lack publicity , he stressed .
Pointing to a long road ahead , Yeo concluded : “ Skilled manpower also continues to be an issue in TV storytelling . We need to fast-track and upgrade our story telling skillsets — there ’ s a lot more to be done .”
TVNZ announces largest free-to-air NZ broadcast deal for C ’ wealth Games
through TVNZ OnDemand and ONE News Now .
TVNZ expects “ large viewing figures ”, with just a three-hour difference between New Zealand and the sporting action on Queensland ’ s Gold Coast .
The deal also ensures broadcasters in Cook Islands , Fiji , Kiribati , Nauru , Niue , Norfolk Island , Papua New Guinea , Samoa , Soloman Islands , Tonga , Tuvalu and Vanuata are able to access live coverage and daily highlights packages to connect Pacific Islands ’ sports fans with all the action of the Games .