NewscastStudio's latest annual industry survey, based on responses from 312 broadcast and media professionals, reveals significant shifts in industry priorities. Cloud adoption and investments in streaming technology are leading the charge, while concerns about artificial intelligence and workflow complexities remain prominent. A notable 60% of respondents reported implementing cloud production tools, despite challenges such as cost (33%), workflow complexity (25%), and security concerns (17%).
The move towards digital distribution is undeniable, with two-thirds of organizations investing in streaming, FAST, or OTT delivery tools. One respondent highlighted the difficulties of translating content: “A big question for my newsroom is how to translate what we make for TV to third-party, online platforms. The workflows for this are slow and clunky… just to get one broadcast segment published online.”
While 60% of respondents believe the industry is adapting to technological change, the impact of artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword. 44% report using AI or machine learning tools, yet 51% worry about potential job displacement. As one respondent stated: “AI and viewers getting information from other sources is a growing problem that could make broadcast obsolete, and we as an industry need to face these facts.”
The survey also touched upon the state of local news, with one respondent noting: “The mindset in local news needs to shift to survive in a new time when content is more accessible and local news isn’t as necessary as it once was.” Despite these challenges, budget outlooks for 2025 remain relatively stable, and trade show attendance is on the rise, suggesting a degree of optimism within the industry. Another respondent offered a more positive outlook: “I do not believe that the broadcast industry is dying the way many people in the industry believe. It is changing drastically and might cut back in many areas but will not die out. I do believe, however, that local news stations must do a better job adapting to this new age and making more content that affects viewers. Just reciting the news and spitting back press releases won’t cut it any longer.”
The survey, conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, represents a valuable snapshot of the broadcast landscape, though it's important to remember that the self-selecting sample may not fully represent the entire industry.