MDR Case Study

Organization

Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR), a public broadcasting service in Germany, delivers a wide range of radio and television programs for the regions of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. Known for its extensive coverage of regional sports, particularly football, MDR reaches a dedicated audience of fans. To further its mission of inclusivity, MDR launched a pilot project aimed at enhancing digital accessibility by offering live captioning for football event livestreams—opening the door for viewers with hearing impairments to fully experience the action.

Challenge

Live captioning for fast-paced sports events, especially during livestreams, presents a unique challenge. Captions need to be generated in real time, with no delay, and with precise accuracy. Previously, delivering real-time captions that meet the expectations of viewers with hearing impairments was both technically difficult and cost-prohibitive. MDR needed a reliable, scalable, and user-friendly solution to break these barriers without compromising quality or budget.

Solution

MDR teamed up with VIDEO.TAXI, utilizing their industry-leading AI-powered live captioning technology. VIDEO.TAXI’s platform goes beyond just captioning—it’s GDPR-compliant and offers additional features like transcription, translation, and voiceover in multiple languages. With VIDEO.TAXI’s technology, MDR was able to stream live football events with real-time captions, making them accessible to viewers with hearing impairments. The platform’s flexibility allowed MDR to deliver accurate, real-time captions seamlessly, ensuring that all viewers could follow the action.

Result

For the first time, MDR viewers could enjoy a football livestream with live captions, a game-changing move in terms of digital accessibility. Feedback from viewers who rely on captions was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the ability to stay engaged with the game in real time without missing a beat. Beyond accessibility, MDR's broadcasts reached a broader and more diverse audience, thanks to the inclusive nature of the content.

Outlook

MDR’s successful collaboration with VIDEO.TAXI showcased that accessible technology is not only possible but essential for the future of digital media. By embracing innovative solutions like live captioning, MDR is setting a new standard for accessibility in sports broadcasting, making sure everyone—regardless of hearing ability—can be part of the experience. This partnership with VIDEO.TAXI highlights how cutting-edge tools can drive progress in digital accessibility, ensuring that major cultural and sporting events are accessible to all, no matter the barriers.