Welcome! You’re listening to the 'In the Hub' Podcast. Every Wednesday we bring you some of the greatest minds and voices in the media, entertainment and broadcasting industries to discuss the world’s newest trends, technological advancements and powerful ideas.

In the Hub

Ep 60 - Orchestration & Automation - w/ James Gibson

We're back for episode 60! Today, Neil speaks to James Gibson - Founder and CEO at Ortana Media Group. Ortana are the experts in all things Media Asset Management (MAM) and orchestration within broadcasting. With this in mind, Neil finds out more about the benefits of effective orchestration and workflow management. Enjoy!

Ep 59 - Why I Love Broadcasting Pt.2 - w/ Paul Tyson

We're back! This week, we're joined once again by Paul Tyson of Studio Tyson: a full-service multimedia provider based in Michigan. In the final part of the 2-part series, we discuss the evolving concept of multimedia, Paul's pick for the most exciting developing technology for broadcasting and what he envisions for the future of our industry. Hope you enjoy.

Ep 58 - Why I Love Broadcasting Pt.1 - w/ Paul Tyson

Welcome back! This week, we're joined by Paul Tyson of Studio Tyson: a full-service multimedia provider based in Michigan. It's hard to not be utterly obsessed with our industry. It's fast-paced, exciting and there's always something new around the corner. Paul shares this sentiment with us. We discuss Paul's first trade show, emerging technologies and the evolution of modern broadcasting in part 1 of a 2-part series. Enjoy!

Ep 57 - Broadcast Consultancy in Africa - w/ Phil Haggar

This week, we speak to Phil Haggar - founder and consultant at Jukwa and Chair of the Board of Trustees at M-Sail.  Phil has been involved in all things broadcast for over 30 years - primarily specialising in broadcast and video consultancy within Africa. We discuss his favourite projects, his most common consultancy projects and what he envisions for the future of our industry.

Ep 56 - IT & Hardware in Broadcasting - w/ Rafid Al Nadaf

This week, Neil chats to Rafid Al Nadaf - Broadcast and IT Sales Manager at AGT. Raf is well versed in evolving technologies within broadcasting, starting out as a technical support engineer and working up to international marketing and sales manager roles across the globe. In this episode, we chat to Raf about all things infrastructure, how he thinks technology for broadcasting is evolving, and what he envisions for the future of our industry.

Ep 55 - Growth in Broadcasting - w/ Eric DuFosse

This week on the In the Hub podcast, we speak to Eric DuFosse - Consulting Manager at OnPrem Solution Partners.  Eric's knowledge of the broadcasting industry is second to none, having been involved with all things media and technology for over 30 years now. We discuss growth in start-ups and established broadcasters alike, changes in the industry and what Eric envisions for the future of broadcasting.

Ep 54 - Public Relations in Broadcasting - w/ Denise Williams

This week we're joined by PR legend Denise Williams. Denise has over 25 years of experience in communications and PR in the broadcasting industry, guiding hundreds of clients through both the good times and the bad. Denise offers her unique insight on publicity in our industry, how PR has changed and what she envisions for the future of broadcasting.

Ep 53 - Live Production in The Cloud - w/ Gareth Capon

This week, we're joined by Gareth Capon from Grabyo.  Gareth takes us through the nuances of live video production in the cloud - a forward-thinking method of bringing social media clips and live events to audiences across the globe. Are audience attention spans waning? Has advertising become too targeted? We'll ponder these questions and much more.

Ep 52 - News & Media in Broadcasting - w/ Sanjeev Bhavnani

This week, Neil speaks to Sanjeev Bhavnani - Executive Director at Advanced Television. Advanced Television is a media hub for all things broadcast - bringing together press coverage, news, webinars and more. Sanjeev talks to us about his start in broadcasting, how he has seen news delivery change in broadcasting and what he envisions for the future of our industry.

Ep 51 - PlayBox Technology Launches MEGA ICX - w/ Phillip Neighbour

In this week's episode, the team at PlayBox Technology has a very special announcement. The latest version of our industry-leading playout software, AirBox MEGA ICX, has launched and is available for free trial download. We're joined once again by Phillip Neighbour as he takes us through the benefits of the new solution, how hybrid is the future for broadcasters and what he envisions for the future of playout.

Ep 50 - The Future of Sports Broadcasting Pt.2 - w/ Bruce Devlin

This week, join us in welcoming back Mr MXF himself - Bruce Devlin. This episode closes our 2-part series on The Future of Sports Broadcasting. Bruce talks us through exciting new technology trends in sports, whether a stadium atmosphere can ever be matched and reveals his vision for the future of sports broadcasting.

Ep 49 - The Future of Sports Broadcasting Pt.1 - w/ Harm Van Houten & Wilfried Wuest

Wow. 1 whole year ago, we released the very first episode of the In the Hub podcast. 49 episodes later,  we're joined by returning guests - Harm Van Houten (YourSide) and Wilfried Wuest (Sport.Media.Net) - to discuss the exciting and uncertain future of live sports broadcasting. This is the first of a 2-part series, so look out for next weeks episode for the full package!

Ep 48 - The Resurgence of Film - w/ Adrian Bull

This week, we're joined by Adrian Bull from Cinelab London -  the only full-service film laboratory in the UK. Adrian talks us through the re-emergence of film in popular media, the importance of independent cinemas and his predictions for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 47 - From Print to Broadcast Journalism - w/ Linda Duberley

This week, Neil is joined by Linda Duberley - publisher and editor at RiverTribe Magazine and founder and director of Duberley Media. Linda is a hugely accomplished print and broadcast journalist, anchoring the likes of Sky News and ITV. Linda discusses her transition from print to broadcast journalism, recalls highlight projects throughout her career and reveals what she envisions for the future of broadcasting.

Ep 46 - The Technology Behind Broadcasting - w/ Medialooks

This week we're joined by Alexander Bashlykov and Andrey Okunev from Medialooks. We discuss the behind the scenes technologies involved in the broadcasting industry, how broadcast software developers can save valuable time, the importance of open-source and their visions for the future of our industry. Enjoy!

Ep 45 - Systems Integration & Workflows - w/ Matt Ashe

This week, Neil speaks to Matt Ashe - Regional Manager at Benchmark Broadcast Systems. Matt's love for all things broadcasting and telecommunications started in the United States Air Force in 1986, and he has since gone on to accrue over 30 years of experience in helping media companies succeed on the global stage with the technology to back it up. Enjoy!

Ep 44 - On-Demand Platforms & Decision Fatigue - w/ David Griggs

This week, we speak to David Griggs from The Walt Disney Company. Neil and David discuss the lifespan of linear television, how too much choice is baffling on-demand video customers, and what David envisions for the future of our industry. Enjoy!

Ep 43 - The Future of Streaming - w/ Jason Thibeault

For episode 43, Neil speaks to a legend of the streaming industry - Jason Thibeault, Executive Director at the Streaming Video Alliance. How did streaming perform during worldwide lockdowns? How are advertisers benefitting from OTT content platforms? What is in store for the future of streaming? Find out in this week's episode.

Ep 42 - The Future of Satellite TV - w/ Nicolas Moulin-Fournier

In this week's episode, we're joined by Nicolas Moulin-Fournier - SVP of New Video Services at Eutelsat. We chat about the importance of free television for communities across the globe, future developments in the satellite field and what he envisions for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 41 - openGear & The Future of Cobalt Digital - w/ Chris Shaw

This week, we're joined by Chris Shaw - COO at Cobalt Digital. Chris' achievements in the broadcasting industry are second to none, with his most recent appointment at Cobalt helping to future-proof the company's operations as the world recovers from COVID-19. In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in openGear technology, how Chris got his start in our industry and what he envisions for the future of broadcasting technology.

Ep 40 - Content Factories & Supply Chains - w/ Darren Long

In this week's episode, we speak to Darren Long - Group Operations Transformation Director at Sky. Darren holds over 30 years of experience managing cultural, technical and operational change at one of the most recognised broadcast media brands on the planet. We discuss the evolving concept of the content factory, how broadcast supply chains are evolving and what Darren envisions for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 39 - Broadcasting Changes in Zimbabwe - w/ Daniel De Beer

In this week's episode, we're joined by Daniel De Beer of Solution Centre, based in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is currently embracing an exciting new chapter in broadcasting, with rapid growth and expansion of new channels. Daniel talks us through how Solution Centre has prospered in the region since 1997, how he personally got involved in our industry and what he envisions for the future of broadcasting.

Ep 38 - Sports Media & Start-Ups - w/ Joop Janssen

This week, Neil speaks to Joop Janssen of YOAP Holding and Roda JC Kerkrade Football Club. Joop's career has seen him go from professional volleyball player, through Philips & Vitec and into his managing director position at YOAP Holding. Joop discusses the sustainability of current sports rights models for broadcasting, how important trade shows will be in 2021 and what he envisions for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 37 - Distribution in Broadcasting - w/ Eric Pratt & Steven Ellis

This week, we're joined by Eric Pratt & Steven Ellis from US Broadcast Distribution. We catch up on the fast-paced world of live production and broadcast equipment distribution, debating whether trade shows and exhibitions should be a hot priority for the industry this year and questioning what Steve and Eric believe to be the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 36 - News Broadcasting in 2021 - w/John O'Loan

This week, we welcome John O'Loan from iO Media Group back to the In the Hub podcast. John was our first official guest back in 2020, and it's fair to say that a lot has changed in the broadcasting industry since then. We catch up with John to find out how he got started in broadcasting, how journalists should change the way they work and where news broadcasting is headed post-covid.

Ep 35 - Shaping the Sports Broadcasting Industry - w/ Wilfried Wuest

In this week's episode, Neil is joined by Wilfried Wuest - Senior Director of Business Development at Sport.Media.Net. Wilfried's career has seen him take on huge projects like the FIFA World Cup of 2006, ultimately cementing his knowledge and expertise in the sports broadcasting industry. Wilfried tells us how he got his start in broadcasting, how the sports broadcasting industry can be taking cues from the music industry, and what he envisions for the future of broadcasting.

Ep 34 - Mergers, Acquisitions and Broadcast Technology - w/ Shengli Han

This Wednesday, Neil speaks to Shengli Han - Vice Chairman of the Board at Beijing Jetsen Technology Co. and Advisor at Black Dragon Capital. Shengli has extensive experience in managing international companies within the broadcasting industry, building up teams and advising in landmark mergers and acquisitions. Shengli speaks on how he got started in broadcasting, how the Chinese broadcasting industry has recovered from COVID-19 and what he envisions for the future of our industry.

Ep 33 - Video Delivery & OTT - w/ Chris Lavin

In this week's episode, Neil speaks to Chris Lavin - CTO @ ONE CONNXT. Chris's decades of systems integration expertise has seen him implement playout and video delivery systems for well over 300 broadcasters throughout his career. Chris discusses how he got started in broadcasting, how he manages technological change and what he envisions for the future of our industry.

Ep 32 - Technical Production Management During COVID-19 - w/ Roy Callow

Welcome back to another episode of the In the Hub Podcast! This week, Neil is joined by Roy Callow of Nut Tree Media. Roy's career has seen him work in a variety of production roles, including taking on technical management for popular reality shows with ITV. Roy discusses how he got his start in broadcasting, recalls a unique incident that saw cameras blackout due to a rogue porcupine, and gives us his prediction for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 31 - Broadcast Engineering & Live Events - w/ Matt Lewns

In this week's episode, Neil speaks to Matt Lewns - accomplished broadcast engineer and technical supervisor. Matt's career has seen him work with Formula 1, the Olympics and an extraordinary array of live music events for some of the biggest bands and festivals. Neil and Matt discuss technological advancements in broadcasting, his career highlights and where he sees our industry heading in the future.

Ep 30 - Ramadan and Broadcasting - w/ Amir Taki

In this week's episode, Neil is joined by Amir Taki - director, executive producer and content creator at Haven Films. Amir takes us back to his days running one of the most successful Muslim faith TV channels in the world, and what the month of Ramadan means for broadcasters and the communities that rely on them.

Ep 29 - Partnerships in Broadcasting - w/ Ben Gunkel

In this week's episode, we speak to our very own Ben Gunkel from PlayBox Technology. Ben is our Territory Manager who focuses on forming long-term partnerships across the globe. Ben talks to us about the importance of partnerships, whether a company can 'go it alone' in the broadcasting industry and how PlayBox Technology benefits from partnerships.

Ep 28 - Business Development in Broadcasting - w/ Fernando Lopez Cisneros

In this week's episode, Neil speaks to Fernando Lopez Cisneros - business development professional and co-founder of Fernext. Fernando takes us through his start in the broadcasting industry, getting your business development strategy right and what he envisions for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 27 - The Future of IBC - w/ Michael Crimp

In this week's episode, we speak to Michael Crimp, CEO at the IBC - International Broadcasting Convention. Michael has pioneered the IBC through 10+ years of change and technological advancement, having just dealt with their most disruptive year yet - 2020. Neil and Michael discuss the future of the IBC Show, their virtual platforms and what Michael envisions for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 26 - BaM Live Week - w/ Ben Dales & Lisa Collins

In this week's episode, we speak to Ben Dales and Lisa Collins from the IABM. BaM Live, the digital networking, engagement and learning platform officially begins today! Ben and Lisa discuss some of the history behind the IABM, how BaM Live is avoiding digital fatigue and what the future holds for virtual events in our industry.

Ep 25 - Being a Visual Content Creator in 2021 - w/ Mark Pengelly

This week, we're joined by Mark Pengelly - Director, Photographer, Director of Photography and all-round Visual Content Creator. Mark's experience and passion for all things visual has seen him collaborate with household names on huge movie sets and taken him across the world with vital charity work. Hear more about how Mark got his start, which social media platform benefits content creators the most and where he envisions our industry heading in future.

Ep 24 - A New Direction For SCTE - w/ Melissa Cogavin

In this week's episode, we speak to Melissa Cogavin - Managing Editor at SCTE, the Society for Broadband Professionals. We hear about Melissa's impact within the Film and Cinema industries, where the SCTE is headed in 2021 and what Melissa envisions for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 23 - Special Effects & The Film Industry - w/ Keith Harding

This week's episode focuses on all things SFX as Neil speaks to Keith Harding - SFX Supervisor at Bloody Stuff Ltd. Bloody Stuff are one of the UK's leading prop and special effects providers. Keith tells all about his start in the broadcasting and film industries, how the prop and special effects industry is coping with COVID-19 and what he predicts for the future of broadcasting.

Ep 22 - Women in Broadcasting - w/ Petra Oblak

This week, Neil speaks to Petra Oblak -  life coach, mentor and co-ceo of Vision247. Petra has been at the forefront of the broadcasting industry since 1988. In this episode, Petra takes us back to her start in the industry, telling all about success, change and what we can expect for the future.

Ep 21 - OTT Broadcasting - w/ KC Lee

In episode 21, Neil speaks to KC Lee -  Founder & Managing Director at Amrick Solutions. This week's topic is all things 'over-the-top'; KC takes us on a detailed journey of a full end-to-end OTT implementation process for modern broadcasters. Learn some of the history behind OTT,  why content security is still so important and what we can expect from the future of digital video.

Ep 20 - Public Broadcasting - w/ Maurice Marshall

This week, Neil speaks to Maurice Marshall from the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica - or 'PBCJ'. Maurice fills us in on the everyday struggles of running a television station, how PBCJ succeeds with social media and what he envisions for the future of the broadcasting industry.

Ep 19 - Host Broadcasting - w/ Gareth Jones

In this week's episode, Neil speaks to Gareth Jones - Head of Production Management at Host Broadcast Services, or HBS. Gareth recalls his start in the broadcasting industry, highlights from major sporting events like the World Cup and predicts what might hold the key to the future of the broadcasting and media industry.

Ep 18 - Financing The Broadcasting Industry - w/ Paul Robson

Welcome back to the Season 2 of the In the Hub podcast! In this week's episode, Neil speaks to Paul Robson - Owner and Managing Director at Medialease. Paul discusses his start in the broadcasting industry, how COVID-19 has affected the financing landscape and what we can expect for the future of broadcasting.

Ep 17 - A New Perspective in Broadcasting - w/ Neil Thacker

Welcome back to the season 1 finale of the In the Hub podcast! In this episode, we're flipping the format. Phillip Neighbour, Chief Operating Officer at PlayBox Technology UK, interviews Neil Thacker - host of the In the Hub podcast. We ask hot questions submitted by people in our industry, delving into Neil's fresh start in broadcasting and where he sees our industry going for the future.

Ep 16 - Starting a TV Channel - w/ Mark Vadik

Welcome back to Episode 16 of the In the Hub Podcast! This week, we're speaking to Mark Vadik - Director, Producer,  Actor, Screenwriter, Lawyer... the list goes on! Now, Mark is taking on broadcasting with the team at VPOD TV - a fresh new channel focusing on video podcasting content. We discuss Mark's career, why he and his team wanted to start VPOD and the incredible work behind starting a brand new TV Channel.

Ep 15 - Change in Broadcasting - w/ Thiago Taboada

Welcome back to the In the Hub podcast! This week, we're speaking to Thiago Taboada - a broadcasting professional based in Brasil with 15 years of experience working with MTV, TV Cultura and Canal Woohoo. Thiago recalls the moment that encouraged him to embrace the technical side of broadcasting, reveals the biggest challenge he has faced in the industry and how content creators can navigate the 'Uberization' of the broadcasting and media landscape.

Ep 14 - Management in Broadcasting - w/ David Treadway

We're back with episode 14 of the In the Hub Podcast, brought to you by PlayBox Technology UK! In this episode, we talk all things management with David Treadway - Chairman at iKO Media Group. David's proven career in a variety of high-level management positions makes for some great broadcast-based COVID-19 advice and some truly refreshing optimism.

Ep 13 - The History & Future of PlayBox - w/ Ben Gunkel and Phillip Neighbour

Welcome to a very special episode of In the Hub! In the 13th episode, we speak to both Ben Gunkel, Chief Commercial Officer, and Phillip Neighbour, Chief Operating Officer at PlayBox Technology UK. Ever wondered how the infamous TV Channel in a Box was created? Or how the PlayBox dream became a reality? Neil, Ben and Phill discuss the eventful history and the promising future that lies ahead for the #1 international Channel in a Box manufacturer.

Ep 12 - How Sports & Music Can Emerge From 2020 - w/ Matthew Baxter

Welcome to Episode 12 of the In the Hub podcast! In this episode, Neil chats with Matthew Baxter, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Stellwagen Ventures. Matthew takes us back to his start in the sports industry, the recent launch of Stellwagen Ventures and discusses how we can expect sports and music to emerge from a whirlwind 2020.

Ep 11 - Marketing Communications in Broadcasting - w/ Roger Thornton

We're back with episode 11 of the In the Hub podcast! In this episode, Neil speaks to Roger Thornton - Chairman on the Exhibition Committee @ IBC and long-time Marketing and PR professional in our industry. Roger recalls how he got started in broadcasting and media, gives his advice on communicating effectively as a company during COVID-19 and whether all publicity really is good publicity. Enjoy!

Ep 10 - SMPTE & The Future of Formats - w/ Bruce Devlin

In the tenth episode of the In the Hub podcast, Neil speaks to Bruce Devlin. Bruce is a key figure within the broadcast space, known universally for his work as co-author of the MXF specification and his Standards Vice President role within SMPTE. Neil and Bruce explore how Bruce got started in our industry, whether a one-size-fits-all format for media files is on the horizon and how Bruce envisions the future of broadcasting.

Ep 9 - Equipment Hire in Broadcasting - w/ Mike Ransome

Welcome back to the ninth episode of the In the Hub podcast. In this episode, Neil chats with Mike Ransome - a broadcast legend with 30 years of experience in the broadcast equipment hire and rental industry. Mike now heads up MCR Broadcast Hire as a Managing Director. Neil and Mike dig into the current landscape of the broadcast equipment rental industry, his experiences working with the Olympics and the World Cup, and Mike's vision for the future of our industry.

Ep 8 - How OTT is Powering Live Sports - w/ Oli Slipper

Welcome to the eighth episode of the In the Hub podcast! In this episode, Neil speaks to Oli Slipper - a former pro cricketer, founder of Perform and current Chairman of Pitch International, a leading sports marketing agency. Neil and Oli discuss his incredible career within sports and technology, how OTT is powering the future of sports broadcasting, and what we can expect for the future.

Ep 7 - Engineering and Systems Architecture - w/ John Reid

In the seventh episode of the In the Hub podcast, Neil speaks to John Reid - a broadcast engineering and high level systems architecture expert with nearly 50 years of experience working with companies like the BBC and Panasonic. Neil and John discuss how John got his start in the industry, why he chose to go down the independent consultancy route and the benefits of seeing the 'bigger picture' when it comes to broadcast technology systems and workflows.

Ep 6 - The SRT Alliance - w/ Suso Carrillo

In the sixth episode of the In the Hub podcast, Neil speaks to the Director of the SRT Alliance, Jesús (Suso) Carrillo. Neil and Suso discuss how the pandemic has impacted SRT adoption, where the SRT Alliance is headed for the future and the profound benefits of an open-source, universally adopted transport protocol.

Ep 5 - Consultancy in Broadcasting - w/ Mark Johnson

In the fifth episode of the In the Hub podcast, Neil speaks to legendary broadcast and internet video consultant, Mark Johnson. You'll know Mark from his time as a host over at StudioTech TV on YouTube, and his extraordinary 30 year career within the IBM. Neil and Mark discuss how independent consultancy powers our industry, whether StudioTech TV will make a return and Mark's opinion on virtual events and conferences.

Ep 4 - Hardware to Software in Broadcasting - w/ Steve Finer

In the fourth episode of the In the Hub podcast, Neil speaks to systems integration expert and long-time broadcast engineer Steve Finer. Steve is the owner and chief engineer at Finer Associates, who have been reliably serving the broadcast and video industries for nearly 40 years within the US. Neil and Steve dig in to the shift from hardware-centric deployments to software and cloud-based solutions, and what this could mean for the future of our industry.

Ep 3 - Live Sports & Broadcasting - w/ Harm Van Houten

In the third episode of the In the Hub podcast, Neil speaks to industry expert Harm Van Houten. Harm is a tried and tested broadcast engineer and IT architect with 20 years of experience providing his expertise to both local and international broadcasters. Neil and Harm discuss the current state of live sports in broadcasting - will virtual sports and live-streamed bingo tournaments begin to play a more prominent part in our lives?

Ep 2 - The Future of Trade Shows & Events - w/ Peter Bruce

In the second episode of the In the Hub podcast, Neil speaks to industry legend Peter Bruce. Peter's accomplished career within broadcasting has spanned 30+ years, and he now offers his expert advice as a consultant within the APAC region. Neil and Peter discuss the uncertain future of trade shows and conferences within the broadcasting industry - can deals be closed and new relationships forged in the age of virtual events and Zoom calls?

Ep 1 - The History & Future of News Broadcasting - w/ John O'Loan

In the first episode of the In The Hub podcast, Neil speaks to news broadcasting royalty - Mr. John O'Loan. John was part of the pioneering team responsible for the launch of Sky News in the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia. He is also a founding partner in the iO Media Group. Neil and John discuss the history of news broadcasting, how social media has impacted the news, the phenomenon of 'news avoiders' and much more.

In The Hub Podcast - Introduction

Introducing the In The Hub podcast, brought to you by PlayBox Technology UK. We'll be speaking to some of the greatest minds and voices within the media, entertainment and broadcasting industries covering a range of topics.

In the Hub

Episodes

Ep 60 - Orchestration & Automation - w/ James Gibson

Ep 59 - Why I Love Broadcasting Pt.2 - w/ Paul Tyson

Ep 58 - Why I Love Broadcasting Pt.1 - w/ Paul Tyson

Ep 57 - Broadcast Consultancy in Africa - w/ Phil Haggar

Ep 56 - IT & Hardware in Broadcasting - w/ Rafid Al Nadaf

Reviews

Production Credits

Subscribers

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