Navigating the lingo of Hollywood corporate-speak

This list includes a comprehensive set of terms that are frequently used by senior executives in media organizations, news companies, and broadcast facilities. These terms cover various aspects of the media supply chain, content distribution, advertising, and digital transformation, among others. Let this list be a lesson for you, but not an actual replacement for lived experience.

As Gucci Mane said, "If a man does not have sauce, then he is lost. But the same man can get lost in the sauce."

Hopefully this helps others on their journey through navigating the complex, convoluted, and evolving media industry.

Commonly used terms in Media and Broadcast and what they mean:

1. Media Supply Chain

• Definition: The end-to-end process of creating, managing, distributing, and monetizing media content.

• Usage: Ensures efficient delivery of media from creation to consumption.

2. Content Creation

• Definition: The initial phase where media content is produced.

• Usage: Involves pre-production, production, and post-production activities.

3. Content Management

• Definition: Organization, storage, and retrieval of media assets.

• Usage: Involves metadata tagging, digital asset management, and content versioning.

4. Content Distribution

• Definition: Delivery of media content to various platforms and audiences.

• Usage: Includes broadcasting, streaming, syndication, and OTT services.

5. Monetization

• Definition: Strategies to generate revenue from media content.

• Usage: Involves advertising, subscriptions, pay-per-view, and licensing.

6. Analytics and Optimization

• Definition: Monitoring and analyzing content performance.

• Usage: Optimizes future production and distribution strategies.

7. OTT (Over-the-Top)

• Definition: Delivery of media content directly over the internet.

• Usage: Bypasses traditional cable or satellite distribution.

8. SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand)

• Definition: Users pay a recurring fee to access a library of video content.

• Usage: Used by streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

9. AVOD (Advertising-Based Video on Demand)

• Definition: Content is free to watch but supported by advertising revenue.

• Usage: Popular among platforms like YouTube and Hulu (with ads).

10. TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand)

• Definition: Pay-per-view model where users pay for individual pieces of content.

• Usage: Used for events like movie rentals or live sports.

11. Linear TV

• Definition: Traditional broadcast television with scheduled content.

• Usage: Significant for live events, news, and traditional viewing habits.

12. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television)

• Definition: Delivery of television content over IP networks.

• Usage: Allows for more interactive and flexible viewing experiences.

13. CMS (Content Management System)

• Definition: Software used to manage and publish digital content.

• Usage: Essential for organizing and distributing media assets.

14. DRM (Digital Rights Management)

• Definition: Technologies used to protect and manage the usage rights of digital content.

• Usage: Prevents piracy and ensures legal content usage.

15. Metadata

• Definition: Data that provides information about other data.

• Usage: Vital for content discovery, management, and personalized recommendations.

16. Content Acquisition

• Definition: The process of obtaining content from various sources.

• Usage: Ensures a diverse and continuous stream of content for distribution.

17. Multiplatform Distribution

• Definition: Delivering content across multiple platforms.

• Usage: Essential for reaching audiences wherever they consume content.

18. Content Syndication

• Definition: Licensing content to multiple platforms for simultaneous distribution.

• Usage: Expands reach and monetization opportunities.

19. Content Curation

• Definition: Selecting and organizing content for specific audiences.

• Usage: Enhances user experience and engagement.

20. Brand Integration

• Definition: Incorporating brands and products into content.

• Usage: Provides additional revenue streams and marketing opportunities.

21. Digital Transformation

• Definition: Integrating digital technologies into business operations.

• Usage: Drives innovation and efficiency in media operations.

22. Second Screen

• Definition: Use of an additional device to complement the primary viewing experience.

• Usage: Enhances viewer engagement and provides interactive content.

23. IP Licensing

• Definition: Granting permission to use intellectual property.

• Usage: Generates additional revenue and extends brand presence.

24. Addressable Advertising

• Definition: Targeting ads to specific audience segments based on data.

• Usage: Increases ad effectiveness and ROI.

25. FAST Channels (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV)

• Definition: Streaming channels that are free to watch and supported by ads.

• Usage: Provides a cost-effective way to access content and generate ad revenue.

26. Broadcast Automation

• Definition: Using technology to automate broadcast operations.

• Usage: Increases efficiency and reduces human error.

27. Cloud Playout

• Definition: Delivering broadcast content through cloud-based infrastructure.

• Usage: Offers scalability, flexibility, and cost savings.

28. D2C (Direct-to-Consumer)

• Definition: Delivering content directly to viewers without intermediaries.

• Usage: Provides control over the customer relationship and data.

29. Transcoding

• Definition: Converting media files from one format to another.

• Usage: Ensures compatibility with different devices and platforms.

30. Content Aggregation

• Definition: Collecting content from various sources to create a comprehensive offering.

• Usage: Enhances content variety and value proposition.

31. Ad Tech (Advertising Technology)

• Definition: Technologies and software for managing digital advertising.

• Usage: Optimizes ad placements and maximizes revenue.

32. Programmatic Advertising

• Definition: Automated buying and selling of online advertising.

• Usage: Increases efficiency and precision in ad targeting.

33. Omnichannel Marketing

• Definition: A seamless approach to marketing across multiple channels.

• Usage: Enhances customer experience and brand consistency.

34. Reach and Frequency

• Definition: Metrics measuring the number of unique viewers and ad exposures.

• Usage: Important for evaluating ad campaign effectiveness.

35. Upfronts

• Definition: Annual events where TV networks present upcoming shows to advertisers.

• Usage: Secures early ad revenue and builds advertiser relationships.

36. Scatter Market

• Definition: Sale of TV advertising time closer to the broadcast date.

• Usage: Provides additional revenue opportunities outside of upfront commitments.

37. Content Windowing

• Definition: Strategic release of content across different platforms and timeframes.

• Usage: Maximizes content value and monetization over its lifecycle.

38. MVPD (Multichannel Video Programming Distributor)

• Definition: Service providers that deliver multiple TV channels.

• Usage: Traditional distribution method for TV content.

39. Skinny Bundle

• Definition: A pared-down selection of TV channels at a lower price.

• Usage: Appeals to cost-conscious consumers and cord-cutters.

40. CDN (Content Delivery Network)

• Definition: A network of servers that deliver web content based on geographic location.

• Usage: Enhances content delivery speed and reliability.

41. Live-to-VOD (Video on Demand)

• Definition: Converting live broadcast content into on-demand content.

• Usage: Increases content accessibility and viewer engagement.

42. HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding)

• Definition: A video compression standard that improves video quality at lower bit rates.

• Usage: Essential for efficient streaming and storage of high-definition content.

43. Broadcast Management System (BMS)

• Definition: Software for managing scheduling, advertising, and playout.

• Usage: Streamlines broadcast operations and ad management.

44. OTT Aggregators

• Definition: Platforms that compile content from various OTT services.

• Usage: Simplifies user access to multiple streaming services.

45. Cross-Platform Measurement

• Definition: Techniques for measuring audience engagement across different platforms.

• Usage: Provides a holistic view of content performance.

46. Digital Upfronts (NewFronts)

• Definition: Events for presenting digital and online video content to advertisers.

• Usage: Secures ad commitments for digital content.

47. Social TV

• Definition: Integration of social media with TV viewing experiences.

• Usage: Enhances viewer engagement and interaction.

48. Broadcast Playout

• Definition: The process of transmitting television and radio content.

• Usage: Core operation for TV and radio stations.

49. TV Everywhere

• Definition: Service allowing cable and satellite subscribers to access content on mobile devices.

• Usage: Increases content accessibility and subscriber retention.

50. Addressable TV

• Definition: Showing different ads to different households while watching the same program.

• Usage: Improves ad targeting and effectiveness.

Conclusion and Applications

Understanding these terms provides a robust framework for grasping the operational and strategic facets of the media industry. Here’s how the main groups and concepts from the list apply in real-world scenarios:

1. Media Supply Chain: Streamlining content creation, management, distribution, and monetization processes to enhance efficiency and profitability. For example, a media company can optimize its supply chain to reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market for new shows.

2. Content Distribution Models (OTT, SVOD, AVOD, TVOD): These models illustrate how content is delivered and monetized. A streaming service might use a combination of SVOD and AVOD to maximize revenue and reach different audience segments.

3. Digital Transformation and Multiplatform Strategies: Emphasizing the shift from traditional to digital platforms and the importance of delivering content across multiple channels. For instance, a broadcaster might adopt a multiplatform distribution strategy to reach viewers on TV, mobile, and web.

4. Advertising Technologies (Ad Tech, Programmatic Advertising, Addressable Advertising): Highlighting the evolution of advertising in the digital age. Programmatic advertising allows for automated, data-driven ad placements, while addressable TV enables targeted advertising to specific households.

5. Content Management and Protection (CMS, DRM, Metadata): Ensuring content is efficiently managed, easily discoverable, and protected against unauthorized use. Effective DRM solutions help media companies safeguard their intellectual property and monetize their content securely.

6. Audience Engagement and Measurement (Second Screen, Social TV, Cross-Platform Measurement): Enhancing viewer interaction and accurately measuring content performance across platforms. Social TV initiatives can boost viewer engagement by integrating social media interactions with live broadcasts.

Now you too can show you know your stuff at the next board meeting!