Case - Enhancing Accessibility and Reach for MBC and Al Arabiya Programs

Overview

In a significant collaboration, WMR Nordic and News Monitors partnered with leading broadcasters MBC and Al Arabiya to revolutionize their subtitling processes. Leveraging WMR Nordic's advanced Speech to Text (ASR) models, the project aimed to enhance the accessibility and reach of popular programs, including "Khota Alarab," "Political Memoirs," and various news bulletins.

Challenge

The dynamic nature of live television and the diverse dialects across the Arabic language presented unique challenges. MBC and Al Arabiya sought a solution to provide accurate, real-time subtitles for their wide array of programming, aiming to improve viewer experience and accessibility without compromising the content's integrity.

Solution

WMR Nordic deployed its cutting-edge ASR technology, tailored specifically for the complexity of Arabic dialects, to automatically generate accurate subtitles for live and pre-recorded programs. Recognizing the necessity for precision, WMR Nordic also provided in-house editors to fine-tune and post-edit close captions and subtitles. This dual approach ensured the highest level of accuracy and readability, catering to a diverse audience, including the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Process

The implementation process began with integrating WMR Nordic's ASR models into MBC and Al Arabiya's broadcasting systems, followed by extensive testing with live feeds to calibrate accuracy. WMR Nordic's team of linguistic experts and editors worked closely with the broadcasters' content teams to establish a seamless workflow for real-time and post-production editing.

Outcome

The partnership resulted in a substantial improvement in the accessibility and quality of subtitles across MBC and Al Arabiya's programming.

Key outcomes included:

Increased Accessibility: Enhanced viewing experiences for a broader audience, including non-Arabic speakers and the hearing impaired.
Improved Accuracy: With the combined effort of ASR technology and expert editors, the accuracy of subtitles reached unparalleled levels, effectively handling diverse dialects and rapid speech.
Higher Viewer Engagement: Accurate and timely subtitles led to increased viewer satisfaction and engagement, with positive feedback from audiences across the region.

Conclusion

The collaboration between WMR Nordic, MBC, and Al Arabiya exemplifies the potential of combining advanced technology with human expertise to overcome challenges in media accessibility. By leveraging sophisticated ASR models and dedicated editing, WMR Nordic has set a new standard for subtitling in the broadcasting industry, promising a more inclusive future for global audiences.

Jawad Georges A.J

CEO