The DPP Leaders’ Briefing on November 18–19 brought together a vibrant mix of voices from across the industry. The event offered a clear view of where the media sector stands today while creating a warm and energetic atmosphere for reconnecting, swapping ideas, and discovering fresh perspectives. It is always a highlight to meet familiar faces, catch up in a relaxed setting, and share insights in such a collaborative and inspiring environment.
Key take aways:
AI is promising but people want proof
AI appeared in nearly every presentation, with potential to speed up coding, improve production workflows, and support journalists. Yet, many speakers urged caution, highlighting unclear ROI and the importance of adopting AI only where it delivers real, measurable benefits.
Cloud is routine. Data sovereignty is a real concern
Cloud adoption is now standard, while concerns about data sovereignty—where data is stored, who controls it, and how securely it moves—are increasingly important. Solutions must balance cost, security, sustainability, and customer requirements.
Multi-vendor setups are normal and have been for years
Organizations increasingly favor flexible, multi-vendor systems that connect easily, can be updated without disruption, and allow the best tools to be chosen for each workflow. Broad partner networks support this approach.
Everyone is facing the same industry pressures
Shrinking budgets, declining linear TV audiences, the shift toward digital consumption, and competition with large US streaming platforms were recurring themes. Streamlined, efficient solutions are vital for navigating these pressures.
Travel tip: take the train!
Getting to London from Cologne by train is not only sustainable, it is also surprisingly fun. You can catch up on work, admire the scenery, or even enjoy the sun while waiting at the station. It is a relaxed and scenic way to arrive ready for two days of industry insights without the airport queues.
The bottom line
The briefing was honest, thoughtful, and optimistic. AI continues to inspire, cloud use is standard, and data sovereignty is gaining attention. Flexibility, efficiency, and strong partnerships are more important than ever. Above all, events like this highlight the value of sharing experiences and fostering collaboration across the industry.
