The AI Shift: Where Does the Media Industry Go Next?

13 May 2026
AI Media Zone (Gallery Level)
AI Media Zone

Whether embraced enthusiastically or approached with caution, AI is now embedded in the media and entertainment landscape — and it isn’t going anywhere. From content creation and post-production to metadata tagging, personalisation, and workflow automation, AI is already reshaping how the industry operates.

But what has the real impact been so far? Where is AI genuinely driving efficiency and creativity, and where is the hype outpacing reality?

In this State of the Nation panel, industry leaders share how their organisations are integrating AI responsibly and strategically. How do you move from experimentation to implementation? How do you manage risk, governance and ethics? And with tools evolving at speed, how should companies define the AI capabilities they’ll need in the next 12–24 months?

Expect honest insights into adoption, investment priorities, cultural change, and what media businesses must consider now to stay competitive in an AI-driven future.

Chairperson
Katharina G Viken
Katharina G Viken, Executive Producer & CEO - Metrotone Media
Speakers
Ali-Abbas Ali
Ali-Abbas Ali, Director of Media Competition - Ofcom
Laura Helm
Laura Helm, Head of Creative Industries - Digital Catapult
Judy Parnall
Judy Parnall, Head of Standards & Industry - BBC R&D
Ryan Phillips
Ryan Phillips, AI Creative Director - Uncanny Harry AI