A Unified Metadata Repository Providing Measurable Value

Imagine a metadata repository of high-quality contextual data describing individual titles within a content catalogue. This is the goal of all media organisations. However, each of these companies is likely to have slightly different interpretations of what the ideal metadata repository should contain. In fact, the use of metadata may shift by line of business and its specific use case(s), Metadata that is a priority to one group may be less important to another, leading each team to develop their own metadata schema and license metadata independent of the other. This is not uncommon, but unfortunately, it can result in both financial and operational inefficiencies. 

As we work with our customers, we have found that they want greater visibility and control of the metadata itself – and its associated costs. We also understand that they each have varying levels of sophistication in how they have been managing their metadata. Our business provides a platform that enables sensible, persistent metadata management to meet our customers’ metadata challenges.

The first step towards pragmatic metadata management is to consolidate existing metadata records into one central repository. This gives the business a holistic view of what metadata they have, what metadata is missing, inaccurate or unintelligible metadata, inconsistent genre classification, or which data fields reflect metadata from more than one source. While it may be useful to procure enrichment data to fill in perceived metadata gaps, it may not be necessary once a 360° view of the data has been achieved. Assessing unified metadata provides actionable insights that clarify the next steps. 

A typical outcome when consolidating metadata is the identification of a consistent metadata schema. At a minimum, this includes specifying required data fields and genre definitions. By having a well-defined metadata schema, media organisations can identify and eliminate metadata redundancies. This is more than deduplication. Redundant metadata is that which has been procured more than once, either from more than one source or licensed from the same source multiple times. It is also data that is not needed. With metadata budgets for a typical broadcaster or production company running in the high six figures, eliminating redundancies can provide measurable value. 

MetaBroadcast provides expertise in helping customers formalise a consistent metadata schema by sharing our best practice metadata schema. Customers can see what is included in a comprehensive metadata repository by leveraging the format of our unique and vast registry of MetaBroadcast content IDs (MBIDs). Our ID Registry represents over a decade of unifying, matching, and normalising content IDs from major broadcasters, content owners, and metadata providers (e.g., BBC, ITV, PA, EIDR, Gracenote, IMDb, etc.). The resulting content records have been reviewed, enhanced, and validated by MetaBroadcast and contributing data sources. 

Our ID Registry represents a standardised set of consolidated metadata that has been cleansed and unified. Brands have been checked and allocated. Hierarchies have been analysed and validated. Most importantly, genres have been reviewed and clarified. The MetaBroadcast ID Registry is arguably the largest consolidated Content ID map. 

Metadata management has not been a priority until now. With the spotlight on improving margins and managing costs, transitions to streaming, and the adoption of AI content, owners and distributors have realised that metadata is a critical asset. But, that asset must be organised in such a way that it provides measurable value. Without contextual metadata, monetisable assets may not be surfaced to content sales teams. Without rational genre classifications, images, or descriptions, viewing audiences will struggle with search and discovery. 

Our ID Registry is a unified metadata repository, or Single Source of Truth, reflecting the relevant titles, genres, tags, series, episode numbers, sports data, synopsis, cast and crew, unique video service provider-defined content IDs, and enrichment data that comprise an effective metadata schema. The combination of Atlas cloud-based active metadata management and a world-class ID Registry gives media organisations a metadata management model that ensures that they only procure the metadata they need and that their metadata is fit for purpose.

Let’s talk about how we can help you define and meet your metadata goals.