Scripting in the Broadcast Industry

“JavaScript is the world’s most misunderstood programming language”

Douglas Crockford

Scripting

What exactly is scripting? A script or scripting language is a computer language with a series of commands within a file that is capable of being executed without being compiled. Good examples of server-side scripting languages include Perl, PHP, and Python. The best example of a client-side scripting language is JavaScript.

JavaScript

JavaScript is among the most powerful and flexible programming languages of the web. It powers the dynamic behavior on most websites. It can be used to detect user actions in other tabs within a same site origin environment or browsing context.

Applying it to Broadcast

Would this work? In reality, yes it would. Scripting in the Broadcast Industry would be interesting but at the same time it would be creepy and here’s why. JavaScript can be used to detect users’ actions in other tabs within a same site origin environment or browsing context. Who wants to be spied on? Surely not me.

To be more specific, this allows for communication between windows, tabs, iframes, web workers, and service workers. Messages posted to a given channel are delivered to all listeners of that channel.

Privacy

Is there any privacy here? No, there isn’t. The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a new European privacy law that, as of May 25, 2018, generally governs how organizations – including those EU-based and many that are not – collect, use, disclose, or otherwise “process” personal information. While some limited exceptions exist (e.g., businesses with fewer than 250 employees are exempt from some requirements), the GDPR imposes an array of obligations on company’s subject to it.

GDPR Continued…

it can apply to broadcasters who collect or use data to provide services like streaming TV or radio to individuals in the EU. It also can apply to broadcasters who use website cookies and other online tracking mechanisms to “monitor” individuals in the EU (e.g., profiling for behavioral advertising).

The Broadcast Industry needs their privacy which they have the rights to so no, I would not agree to having scripting used in Broadcast.