NewscastStudio – Industry Insights: Storage strategies in broadcasting, from on-prem to cloud

As broadcasting workflows evolve, effective storage strategies have become paramount for media organizations seeking scalability, efficiency and resilience.

In this first installment of our two-part Industry Insights roundtable on storage and media asset management, we discuss how cloud, on-premises and hybrid solutions are reshaping both operational dynamics and budget considerations.

From the move toward more nimble MAM approaches and flexible third-party integrations to the intensifying role of AI-based automation, broadcast professionals are exploring fresh ways to optimize content workflows across every production stage.

Our experts share insights on performance trade-offs, interoperability challenges, and the growing emphasis on balancing high-speed access with long-term cost management. Whether you’re looking for improved collaboration, future-proof archives, or a holistic approach to metadata, this conversation illuminates the trends that deserve close attention.

Key takeaways from this Industry Insights roundtable

• Nimble MAM: Broadcasters increasingly favor more flexible, interoperable platforms that are easier to scale and enhance user acceptance.
• Cloud caution: Cloud technologies offer unprecedented accessibility but require careful cost and security strategies for long-term success.
• Hybrid advantage: Combining on-prem and cloud balances local performance and remote collaboration, maximizing flexibility.
• Tiered storage: Automated content movement between high-performance and archival systems optimizes budgets without sacrificing accessibility.
• AI efficiency: AI-driven features in MAM accelerate workflows with faster metadata tagging and improved content discovery.

What trends in storage and MAM technologies should broadcast professionals be paying attention to?

Sam Peterson, media technology leader and COO, Bitcentral: Broadcast professionals should focus on the rapid adoption of hybrid cloud solutions, which combine the scalability and accessibility of cloud storage with the security and control of on-premises systems. Additionally, the integration of AI in MAM systems is revolutionizing workflows by automating metadata management, enabling real-time insights, and improving content discoverability for faster and more efficient production processes.

How do advancements in cloud storage impact the accessibility and scalability of media archives?

Sam Peterson: Cloud storage has transformed media archives by offering virtually unlimited capacity and enabling access to content from anywhere, facilitating seamless global collaboration. Its ability to scale dynamically based on production needs helps companies manage costs effectively while accommodating growing libraries of high-resolution content.

What are the primary considerations when choosing between on-premises, cloud and hybrid storage solutions?

Sam Peterson: When selecting a storage solution, broadcasters must weigh factors like scalability, data security, latency, and cost efficiency, alongside their operational control requirements. Hybrid storage models are increasingly popular, as they combine the best of both worlds by enabling flexible cloud workflows while keeping sensitive or critical data secured on-premises.