The EBU's Big Data initiative (#EBUbigdata) goes into full swing from 21 to 24 March with three events in Geneva, including a conference on big data as a game-changing prospect for public service media (PSM).

It’s no secret that the media sector is increasingly looking at the potential of big data. From improving audience research and measurement to renewing news editing or scriptwriting, from leveraging metadata for a sharper understanding of the world around us to personalising the relationship with audiences: today’s data-driven world presents many opportunities for PSM. But it also raises a number of technical and legal questions which need to be carefully considered to maintain the trust-based relationship between PSM and audiences.

On 21 March, the EBU's Big Data Week gets underway with an EBU Academy Masterclass for researchers and news professionals on the use of data to better understand audiences and adapt news strategies accordingly.

On 22 and 23 March, our headquarters host the “Big Data: a Game Changer for PSM” Conference. Panels will bring together experts from the media sector who have successfully taken up Big Data in their organisations. On the second day, we will test ideas and thoughts for the future during specialized workshops. There will be networking opportunities aplenty during the lunch sessions and evening cocktail reception.

Finally on 23 and 24 March, the EBU teams up with Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) for a unique Big Data Hackathon. Hands-on data experts are welcome to work through the night to build prototypes and explore new solutions for gathering and analysing information about Europe’s migration crisis.  

We hope you can join us to learn, share and leverage the power of data during the EBU Big Data Week! Places for our three events are limited so register as soon as you can to join this new community!