From Signal to Software: Reinventing Broadcast with AI

From Signal to Software: Reinventing Broadcast with AI

In this session, Ben Anchor charts the dramatic shift in broadcast technology over the past 15 years — from signal-based hardware and physical control rooms to cloud-native workflows, virtualisation, and software-defined infrastructure. Drawing on real-world consulting experience with major international broadcasters, Ben shares how this transformation laid the groundwork for the AI-powered tools reshaping the industry today.

The second half of the talk spotlights his UC Berkeley capstone project: an AI-enhanced scheduling system designed to modernize broadcast planning and content delivery. This real-world use case offers a practical look at how AI is now being deployed to solve complex media challenges — and what lessons creators and digital entrepreneurs can apply today.

About Ben Anchor:

Ben is a broadcast technology consultant turned AI strategist, with a background supporting major international broadcasters through cloud migration, virtualisation, and workflow automation. He recently completed the UC Berkeley Executive Program in AI Strategy & Business Applications, where his capstone on AI-enhanced scheduling was highlighted for its innovation. Ben now helps creators, content teams, and digital entrepreneurs scale smarter with AI — including through workshops and tools designed to accelerate digital product creation.