Shaping the future of MediaTech with Talpa Network

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Country:

The Netherlands

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Working with Levi9 has been a true partnership, characterized by continuous learning and a collaborative exchange of expertise. In technology, where you learn something new every day, knowledge is invaluable—it’s something that stays with you for life. There’s a genuine sharing of knowledge between our teams. Over the years, both Talpa and Levi9 have grown, not just technically, but in maturity as well, thanks to this constant learning and collaboration.

R. Monajemi

Digital Technology Director, Talpa Network

About the project

Talpa Network is a leader in media creation, curation, and distribution in the Netherlands. Talpa reaches 90% of the Netherlands each week through their diverse portfolio that includes TV and radio, digital platforms, eCommerce, and major events. To stay at the forefront of this constantly evolving market, they must be able to quickly embrace new trends and technologies and flawlessly execute innovative strategies.

That’s where Levi9 plays an important role as Talpa’s technology partner. Since 2016, we have been instrumental in delivering cutting-edge, high-impact solutions for the network’s leading media brands. Here’s how our collaboration has created best-in-class products to support Talpa’s transformation into a dynamic MediaTech company.

Years of Partnership

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FTE's

Website of the Year Awards

Agile and cohesive collaboration

Our partnership started with around 50 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) working on projects that included The Voice, 5GR, and Gameroom. These initial solutions helped us understand the fast-paced media world and establish Levi9 as a reliable technology partner. From 2018 to 2019, we scaled up to 150 FTEs to deliver key products and boost Talpa’s digital transformation. To accomplish this, we developed a well-structured Master Class program that trained our high-potential juniors in emerging technologies like JavaScript, Python, and AWS – ensuring we were fully equipped to support Talpa’s expansion with our skilled talent pool.

Another way we help keep Talpa’s projects on track is by using Agile methodology with commitment-based sprints. Levi9’s Delivery Managers facilitate strong PO-SM collaboration and regular meetings. Our tailored governance model fosters clear communication so we stay aligned on goals and strategies.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we also demonstrated our flexibility and dedication to success by designing ‘fit-to-purpose’ teams. Levi Niners worked as Tech Leads and Product Owners, under the guidance of Talpa’s Solution Architects and Product Owners. Experts from both of our organizations then added support and expertise to brands experiencing reduced capacity.

Strategic Digital Products

Versatility and scalability are paramount in today’s MediaTech. Our teams develop specialized apps to deliver diverse digital content and enhance user engagement.

In recent years, our teams have focused on adding new features that improve user experiences across Talpa’s diverse media brands. Levi Niners developed Android Auto, a voting editor, a new measurement plan for user behavior tracking, and contextual advertising. In 2023, our JUKE and Vandaag Inside Websites won the award for the best website in the Netherlands. We also optimized Talpa’s costs through technical implementations, such as replacing a third-part Customer Data Platform (CDP) with an in-house solution and migrating to OneTrust.

Next-generation platforms

Levi9’s work doesn’t stop once a product is launched. We keep pushing the technological boundaries to solidify Talpa’s position as a market leader. Together, Talpa and Levi9 have designed these next-gen platforms that enhance user engagement, streamline operations, and drive digital transformation

Second Screen Apps: The 5GR and Lucky 13 apps engage users with live events that attract large user bases and maintain high performance during peak loads.
Smart Data Solutions: Implemented a real-time data processing platform to enable comprehensive reporting and boost ad monetization
Web platform based on micro frontend architecture: Our team is developing a new platform for all news and radio brands that will replace the existing publishing platform.
Mobile app platform: We are creating a unified app platform to replace the current JUKE app, enhancing user experience and brand integration.

Continuous improvement and innovation

Comprehensive Governance: Organize regular strategic and operational meetings, tech alignment sessions, and specialized Tech Chapters, ensuring best practices, high-quality software, and enhanced collaboration across technology domains.
Maturity Model: Consistently assess culture, processes, and identify improvement areas within our Talpa domains.
Web platform based on micro frontend architecture: Our team is developing a new platform for all news and radio brands that will replace the existing publishing platform.
Proactive Testing Strategy: Integrate automated tests in CI processes that lead to higher quality products.

Pride and enthusiasm for innovation

What our team values most about this partnership is the cultural synergy. Talpa involves levi niners in their business goals and metrics, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the products being developed. This cultural fit is critical, especially on demanding projects where every team member, from directors to individual contributors, is vital to a successful outcome. Together, we overcome challenges and achieve technological feats – making the impossible possible.

At the end of 2023, Talpa defined new strategies to modernize, consolidate, and optimize their product platforms. Levi9 is supporting this journey, with a strong commitment to understanding the business and delivering value. We are enthusiastic about exploring AI to enhance Talpa’s products and keep them future-ready.

Transformative partnership

Our technical expertise and Agile methodologies have helped Talpa innovate rapidly, enhance user engagement across their platforms, and revolutionize digital media in the Netherlands. Today, Talpa is often cited as a benchmark for excellence in media software development, product discovery, and Agile delivery practices. This maturity is the direct result of years of continuous improvement initiatives and taking every opportunity to grow and learn together. We are excited to be Talpa’s trusted partner as they continue to expand and redefine the Dutch media market.