Shaping the future of broadcast control: Key takeaways from IBC 2025
Another international broadcast convention (IBC) has wrapped up, and this year’s show clearly illustrated that the broadcast and media industry’s rapid transformation is continuing at a rapid pace! Across the halls, conversations focused frequently on how fast we can adapt and integrate. From software-defined infrastructures to smarter operations, broadcasters are looking for technologies that give them flexibility, efficiency, and control — all without adding unnecessary complexity.
IBC remains the leading global event where the broadcast and media technology communities converge to share innovation and direction. I was privileged to be a part of the Atos delegation at this event, where business drivers and change agents like IP maturity, AI adoption, and workflow unification took center stage.
Delving into these evolving requirements and key industry trends can help broadcast and media technology leaders and systems integrators navigate this transformation confidently. At Atos, we spent the week exploring these shifts and sharing how Atos’s broadcast network control system (BNCS) is evolving to support the industry’s changing needs.
This article highlights the different trends and showcases how BNCS is evolving to support these trends through increased flexibility, unified data modelling, and intelligent control capabilities.
IBC 2025 showed an industry moving fast — towards smarter, more flexible operations. BNCS is evolving alongside it, helping broadcasters unify, visualize, and control their workflows with confidence.
Here’s our take on the key trends from IBC 2025 and how BNCS fits in.
1. IP maturity is driving smarter control strategies.
The move to IP is no longer a future ambition, it’s the operational reality for many. As the technology has matured, it’s brought new levels of flexibility, but that flexibility also introduces greater operational complexity. The next challenge is managing increasingly hybrid, multi-vendor infrastructures in a way that’s scalable and simple, which is why a robust control system is essential.
How BNCS supports this
BNCS is built for interoperability. Its unified data model and flexible integration framework make it easier to bring diverse systems together under one control layer, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or both. This approach gives teams the confidence to scale without constantly re-engineering their control environment.
BNCS has been proven at scale in some of the world’s most demanding broadcast environments. Its resilient architecture and built-in redundancy ensure reliable performance even as operations grow in size and complexity — a capability that sets it apart from many competitors.
2. Automation and efficiency are front and central to all we do.
IBC 2025 saw a clear focus on operational efficiency. Broadcasters are looking to do more with less, whether through intelligent automation, streamlined user interfaces, or faster deployment models.
How BNCS supports this
BNCS empowers operators not just through customizable UIs, but also through tailored situational business logic delivered via its powerful automation capabilities. From complex package routing to dynamic interfaces that adapt based on routing choices, BNCS simplifies operations, streamlines decision-making, and reduces the risk of error, enabling teams to work faster and with greater confidence.
3. Cloud is not just aspirational anymore; it’s a practical requirement.
Discussions around cloud this year were no longer about “moving everything to the cloud,” but about choosing the right balance between on-prem, cloud, and hybrid deployments to maximize agility and resilience.
How BNCS supports this
BNCS gives organizations the freedom to deploy their control environment wherever it makes the most sense. Its architecture supports hybrid operations, enabling broadcasters to take advantage of cloud scalability while retaining the robustness of on-prem control where needed.
4. Unified operations and better visibility are key.
As systems become more distributed, visibility and control are becoming top priorities. Broadcasters want centralized oversight without losing local flexibility, and they want operators to have intuitive interfaces that make complex environments simple to manage.
How BNCS supports this
BNCS puts the operator at the center. Its dynamic, visual interfaces give teams real-time insights into their systems, while its flexible control logic ensures even the most complex workflows remain manageable. The result: unified operations, clearer visibility, and faster decision-making.
5. Let’s focus on practical innovation.
The overarching theme of IBC 2025 was practical innovation — tools that solve real problems today while laying the foundation for future growth. Vendors and broadcasters alike are moving away from hype cycles and towards solutions that deliver measurable value.
How BNCS supports this
BNCS has been trusted by broadcasters worldwide for decades, precisely because it combines proven reliability with forward-looking adaptability. As the industry continues to evolve, BNCS is evolving with it — making complex operations simpler, more efficient, and future-ready.
Looking ahead
IBC 2025 highlighted a broadcast industry that’s evolving fast but with a clear sense of direction: more flexible infrastructures, smarter operations, and technology that empowers people rather than overwhelms them.
In this ecosystem, Atos’s BNCS supports these shifts, empowering media organizations to adapt quickly and adapt to complex environments. BNCS is proud to be part of this journey — helping broadcasters unify, visualize, and control their operations with confidence.
>> Take a look at highlights of the event: IBC2025 Gallery
>> Learn more about how Atos’s BNCS can help your media house adapt to the rapid changes in the industry and stay ahead of the curve: BNCS - Atos
>> If you would like to discuss more about the current trends in broadcasting and media or share your thoughts on the challenges and potential solutions in the industry, I would like to hear from you. Let’s connect.
Posted 16/10/25
