1. Cloud workflows are becoming the new production standard

In 2026, the broadcast and production landscape will be characterized above all by the relocation of central workflows to the cloud. Steps such as editing or dubbing no longer have to be carried out locally, but can be implemented flexibly and efficiently by globally distributed teams. However, this new agility also increases security requirements. The more processes move to the cloud, the greater the risk of manipulation. Attacks on live signals or streaming workflows could falsify content in a matter of seconds - using AI-generated voices or images, for example. This increases the risk of broadcasters transmitting manipulated content unnoticed.

Instead of relying on isolated systems, cloud environments need to be consistently secured. Digital sovereignty is crucial here: only those who clearly control access and protect the integrity of their data can also produce securely in the cloud. Without these measures, the risk of manipulation remains, especially in an industry where live streaming and remote production are part of everyday life.

2. Remote production dominates - bandwidth must be used more intelligently

Media houses, streaming platforms and event organizers today work with a mix of classic live production and remote workflows. While sports broadcasts require high bandwidths, news productions manage with significantly less. However, this mix will change: Remote event production and cloud-based workflows will dominate.

In the future, instead of fewer high-quality TV signals, several lower-quality streams will be created that are suitable for digital platforms. This will bring the efficient use of available bandwidth at the venue to the fore. Technologies such as MPLS and intelligent routing remain crucial to transport multiple video signals in a stable manner. With the increased use of the cloud, the importance of integrated security mechanisms is also growing, as new areas of attack are emerging that need to be reliably protected.

3. Cyber resilience is becoming business-critical

The growing need for data security and cyber resilience is leading to an increased use of holistic security strategies in the media and broadcast industry. Modern Security Operation Centers (SOC), such as the one from RIEDEL Networks, now monitor networks and connected systems around the clock, ensure regular updates and protect against unauthorized access. In addition, the company invests in future-oriented security solutions such as modern encryption and protection technologies that are already designed to meet future requirements. The result is a level of security that exceeds current industry standards and offers long-term stability.

Through the combination of continuous monitoring, automated updates and modern encryption technologies, global production environments can be sustainably secured and prepared for future requirements.

4. Sustainability becomes a strategic success factor

Sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important in network and media projects - for both environmental and economic reasons. More than ever, companies have a responsibility to act in an environmentally friendly and resource-conserving manner, especially as regulatory requirements and potential CO₂-related costs are increasing this pressure even further.

For the media and event sector, this means, among other things, lighter, lower-energy equipment to reduce transportation emissions, especially for global productions such as major sports series. At the same time, network infrastructures and production systems must be designed to be energy-efficient without compromising on stability or performance. This makes sustainability a decisive competitive factor. Companies that adopt efficient technologies early on not only reduce their costs and meet future requirements, but also strengthen their position in the market.

About RIEDEL Networks

RIEDEL Networks is a privately held, global network provider focused on customized networks. We are listed in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global WAN Services as a niche provider specializing in mid-sized international enterprises and the media and events sector. With our own global backbone, we help companies to be connected worldwide. Our services include internet connectivity, MPLS, SD-WAN, SASE, Cloud Connect, security and much more. Our customers come from various industries and value quality, security and reliability. RIEDEL Networks is a 100% company of the RIEDEL Communications Group in Wuppertal, Germany, and is fully privately owned by Thomas Riedel.