The Cultural Algorithm

Some of their reasons may surprise you!If you're older than a Millennial, there's a good chance you've rarely watched TV with subtitles onscreen. When you did, it was probably sitting with someone hearing impaired or watching a foreign language film.

Experience Spherex AI September 15-18Over the last two years, Spherex AI has been recognized by some of the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry's top organizations and publications for AI leadership and technical excellence. This ground-breaking product automates reviewing titles for content compliance at a territory level. It identifies objectionable content based on local regulations and cultural sensitivities, from inappropriate language to nudity, violence, and more.

Consumers prefer to watch content that reflects their lives and culture.In a world with thousands of cultures and languages, research shows audiences want diverse stories. Companies that provide those stories make more money. Do titles released in 2023 reflect audience preferences and expectations? Let’s see.

One of the most anticipated releases this summer is director Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Billed as a movie to see whether you love or hate Barbie, it brings to life the doll first introduced in 1959. Censors in Vietnam and possibly the Philippines have decided to ban its release not because of the action, characters, or dialogue but for including a map both countries say violates their sovereignty.

In a 2022 government survey of 2,000 Australians, the Australian Classification Board (ACB) learned that consumers wanted more up-to-date classification information reflecting community standards and "specific warnings that content could be distressing to some people." Examples included scenes with "bullying, suicide or self-harm, as well as disturbing content related to horror, or blood and gore." Responding to the feedback, the ACB announced on 25 May 2023 that it would significantly expand consumer advice on all rated movies. The additional advice does not apply to TV shows or games.

The best way to learn about other countries and cultures is to experience them. On 16-18 May 2023, Spherex attended CabSat in the Emirate of Dubai, a regional trade show similar in focus and content to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in the U.S. At CabSat, two things stood out among the technologies and topics discussed: the region's market size and its resolve to produce local film and television content.

The 19th Annual ITVT Awards for Leadership, recognizing the most innovative and disruptive organizations in interactive and multiplatform television, awarded Spherex as the Most Innovative Technology – Content.

In recent years, the Middle East, African, and Southern Asian (MEASA) Media and Entertainment (M&E) markets have witnessed significant growth and transformation. Fueled by the expansion of streaming platforms into the region, the demand for original, regionally created content, and the desire for culturally relevant stories from their populations worldwide, these regions have actively invested in expanding and growing their content creation and distribution capabilities. This article delves into the changing dynamics of these markets and their impact on the global business community.

Due to government-mandated regulations, exporting content to international markets poses a significant challenge for many in the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry. These regulations can take different forms and are intended to guide the public on the age appropriateness of film or TV titles. From a creator and distributor perspective, keeping up with the changes and understanding their rationale requires skills and knowledge outside their core competency. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties and is complicated because regulations are subject to change, and no two countries implement rules similarly. This post explores three types of changing regulations globally: local content requirements, prohibitions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) content, and revised age-rating criteria.