AI has the potential to automate point tasks in the existing ad management chain and even to transform the entire way media is transacted.
The data and addressability of digital combined with the reach of linear is a powerful advertising proposition – albeit one media publishers have yet to master. One challenge is managing the complexity of distributing linear and VOD content onto multiple platforms. Adding AI into the mix promises to streamline the whole system and even to make ads more personalised and targeted than ever.
“AI is nascent in the industry,” says Rhys McLachlan, Director of Advanced Advertising at UK commercial broadcaster ITV. “There’s a lot of hype around it. In some respects, rightly so. In other respects, it’s a classic Gartner lifecycle curve. We need to be wary that the opportunities are maybe slightly overinflated versus what it can practically deliver in terms of value.”...
You are not signed in
Only registered users can read the rest of this article.
IBC Accelerator: Agentic AI for live sports
With an eye on the future, this IBC Accelerator plans to move beyond isolated use cases and demonstrate how agentic AI can be applied across the full live media value chain, from automated production tasks to highlight generation, personalisation, and monetisation.
Innovation Awards: Stories behind Content Everywhere finalists
The Content Everywhere finalists in this year’s IBC Innovation Awards run the gamut across: a giant DTV+ implementation project in Brazil; the Premier League’s connected fan experience; and the AI-generated phenomenon Tilly Norwood. Fergal Ringrose, Chair of Judges for the IBC Innovation Awards, reveals why.
Edinburgh TV Festival 2026 review: So long, and thanks for all the views
As this year's edition of the TV Festival is the last to be held in Edinburgh before the move to Manchester, change in many forms featured high on the agenda. The message was that change is not just coming, it's already here – so deal with it.
Sir Gary Oldman: “There’s an anxiety going into any project”
With the Edinburgh TV Festival’s Global Icon Award in hand, Sir Gary Oldman delivered a candid acceptance speech, revealing how his unique techniques, mindset, and early experiences in the industry brought his most iconic roles to life.
Innovation Awards: Social Impact finalists deep dive
From UN-led dialogues on AI safety and ethics to automatic broadcast-grade sign language for live streaming, the Social Impact category is a tight race. Fergal Ringrose, Chair of Judges for the IBC Innovation Awards, analyses the judging panel’s top three competitors.


