Unlimited Entertainment: AI-Media And Lightning International Join Forces To Make FAST Channels Accessible To Everyone

Sydney and Hong Kong (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - AI-Media Technologies Limited ("AI-Media"), a global leader in live subtitling and translation solutions, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Lightning International ("Lightning"), the leading provider of ad-supported, free-to-air television (FAST) channels. This collaboration aims to break down barriers, bring entertainment to every corner of the world, and enhance revenue opportunities for FAST platforms and content owners by transforming the way premium content is distributed and monetized across diverse markets.

Solutions to accessibility and localization challenges
Imagine viewers in Germany—or anywhere in the world—being able to access the latest news in real time and without language barriers. This partnership addresses the key challenges facing FAST platforms: delivering high-quality, localized content to a global audience and improving accessibility for all viewers—from thrilling action movies to the latest chart hits to adorable pets. Using AI-Media's LEXI and LEXI Translate solutions, content is localized in real time, with live translated subtitles displayed directly in the feed, making it available in over 50 languages.

For example, a channel previously limited to English-speaking markets can now reach fans worldwide by offering live subtitles in French, German, Italian, Japanese, and more. This opens up new distribution channels, expands audience reach, and enables content monetization in previously inaccessible markets.

Tony Abrahams, CEO of AI-Media, says, "This partnership with Lightning International is a milestone for the FAST industry. By delivering premium content that's accessible and localized in real time, we're helping platforms grow their audiences and increase revenue, while making global content truly inclusive."

Transformative benefits for FAST platforms and content owners

• Increased engagement and more viewers : Subtitles increase engagement, drive repeat views, and increase viewing time – a key factor for more advertising opportunities on FAST platforms.
• Increased accessibility : AI-Media's solutions not only benefit deaf and hard of hearing people, but also meet the growing demand for subtitles among Millennials and Generation Z, 87% of whom find subtitles helpful when watching video content.
• New revenue streams : By breaking down language barriers, this partnership enables content owners to enter new markets, resulting in increased viewership and advertising revenue.
• Cost-effective localization : Traditional live translation methods are expensive and resource-intensive. AI-Media's AI-powered solutions provide scalable, real-time localization at a fraction of the cost, with lower latency and higher reliability.

How it works
AI-Media's Alta and LEXI Translate solutions provide real-time transcription and translation. Subtitles are seamlessly integrated into the linear channel feed, which is then delivered to the FAST platforms via Hong Kong-based Lightning International's content delivery services. This approach ensures a streamlined workflow that is cost-effective, scalable, and reliable.

James Ross, CEO of Lightning International, commented, "We are delighted to be working with AI-Media. With this partnership, we are setting a new standard for localization in the FAST industry. This will open up new markets and enable every viewer to enjoy our diverse content without language barriers."

The future of FAST TV localization is brighter than ever with the launch of LEXI Voice at NAB. This breakthrough in AI dubbing enables broadcasters and rights holders to deliver audio tracks in alternative languages ​​in real time, improving accessibility for the visually impaired and providing a more immersive local language experience to a global audience.

About AI-Media
Founded in Australia in 2003, AI-Media (ASX: AIM) is a global leader in AI-powered live speech translation, subtitling, and language accessibility solutions. AI-Media's latest innovation, LEXI Voice , is transforming the way global audiences interact with live content, providing real-time multilingual speech translation powered by the industry-leading accuracy of LEXI subtitles. Designed for broadcasters, corporations, and event producers, LEXI Voice opens up new revenue streams and audiences by making live content instantly available in multiple languages. Trusted in more than 25 countries, AI-Media's end-to-end ecosystem includes iCap, Alta , Encoder Pro , and the LEXI Toolkit , delivering unmatched automation, precision, and scalability. With a proven track record of replacing traditional human workflows, AI-Media enables the world's leading companies to deliver accessible and inclusive experiences at scale.

About Lightning International
Lightning International is a content solutions provider focused on the creation and distribution of TV channels, programs, and formats. Based in Hong Kong and the UK since 2011, Lightning further expanded its capabilities by joining the AsiaSat family in 2023. The company distributes a suite of more than 15 FAST channels, which are already broadcast on numerous platforms worldwide. These channels are fully curated by Lightning to broadcast standards and are available in Asia and globally. These include channels such as Action Hollywood Movies, Concerto TV, Docsville, NOW 70s, NOW 80s, NOW 90s00s, NOW Rock, Pet Club TV, Pulse, RCM, TRACE Urban, TRACE Sport Stars, NewsWorld, Globetrotter, and our latest additions 24/7 SAMURAI-SHINOBI and hi Life! In addition, the company licenses a comprehensive catalog of programs, both as finished shows and formats. http://www.lightninginternational.net