Baris Zavaroglu, CEO of Zero Density, observes a significant shift in how broadcasters approach visual storytelling. With over 20 years of experience at companies like HBO Max, Fox, and Disney, he notes that traditional broadcasters face mounting pressure, not only from competitors but also from streaming services, digital content, and even gaming.
“Traditional media is transforming to streaming and OTT, and at the same time, the entire broadcasting ecosystem is in change,” Zavaroglu said in a recent interview. “Audiences expect a lot of different capabilities, including interactivity, mobility and visual richness, and broadcasters need to deliver all these requests while doing more with less and fewer resources.”
Zero Density specializes in real-time graphics and virtual production solutions using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine. Their technology enables broadcasters to create photorealistic virtual environments and data-driven graphics, supporting various programming, including news, sports, and entertainment. This technology has been adopted by most CBS-owned stations and is utilized for major event programming and daily news on CBS News 24/7.
Zavaroglu emphasizes that virtual production has transitioned from a niche tool to an essential capability. “Virtual production is no longer a niche,” he stated. “You can find so many different virtual production software and solutions. But the thing is, Unreal Engine has been a game changer in this business.”
This shift reflects evolving audience expectations. Viewers accustomed to diverse platforms demand sophisticated visuals from traditional broadcasters, creating a competitive landscape extending beyond television. “The competition is not only among traditional broadcasters. The competition is with streaming, with digital, with gaming,” Zavaroglu explained. “You have to enrich the viewing experience, otherwise it’s very tough. You cannot be successful.”
This pressure coincides with the economic challenges facing traditional broadcasters. As advertising revenue migrates to digital platforms, networks must reduce costs while enhancing visual quality. Zero Density aims to address both by offering sophisticated graphics solutions that replace costly traditional studio setups. “Broadcasters are really under pressure to do more with less, and we acknowledge and understand that,” Zavaroglu said. “Our role at Zero Density is to help them elevate their production quality and capability while reducing complexity and cost.”
While acknowledging the challenges virtual studios present for on-air talent—presenters often prefer traditional studios—Zavaroglu notes Zero Density strives to replicate that comfort. “For a presenter in television, to present in the real studio makes them feel much more comfortable,” he said. “But we try and deliver exactly the same feeling also for the presenter, not only for the audience.”
Zero Density focuses on simplifying its solutions, making them accessible even without extensive technical training. Clients praise the system’s user-friendliness. Future plans include integrating AI for automation and content adaptation, and expanding motion graphics tools while retaining the Unreal Engine foundation.
“All our solutions are based on Unreal Engine,” he said. “That is the main difference. Our vision is to deliver all solutions by using the most advanced technology, Unreal Engine-based.”
Zero Density's expansion into on-air graphics aims to lead the market by combining Unreal Engine’s capabilities with creative motion graphics. Their client base extends beyond traditional broadcasting to include streaming platforms, esports, live events, and corporate communications.
Despite the rise of streaming, Zavaroglu believes traditional broadcasting will endure, especially for live content. “Some people think that traditional media is dying. I don’t think so,” he said. “Live TV, including news, sports, weather, or live shows will always be there. It’s just changing.”
Zero Density sees itself as central to this transformation, enabling broadcasters to meet new audience demands in a broader media landscape. The future of broadcasting, according to Zavaroglu, “will be faster, more visual, and more immersive.”