The UK government is launching a new forum to advise on the future of broadcasting, recognizing the potential exclusion of some households during the transition to online TV delivery. The forum will be guided by senior representatives from Ofcom, TV broadcasters, infrastructure operators, and organizations representing audiences, aiming to ensure all viewers, particularly older individuals and those lacking internet connectivity on their TV, can access world-class British content.
Gill Hind, COO and director of TV at Enders Analysis, Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO of research and technology organization Digital TV Group, and DCMS College of Experts academic Catherine Johnson will lead three smaller working groups supporting the forum. These groups will represent the TV sector, infrastructure, and audience groups, respectively, and will meet independently to gather evidence and drive policy development.
“As the shift towards streaming and watching live broadcasting online continues, it is vital that no one is left behind. I want to ensure that as many people as possible can watch TV in a way that suits them,” stated Ms Peacock.
While there is currently no set date for the discontinuation of DTT services, recent renewals with SES by Sky only extend to 2028. The BBC, after an initial attempt with BBC Three, is also looking to move BBC Four online.
Research conducted by Exeter University predicts that, based on current trends, 95% of households will have the capacity to watch TV over the internet by 2040. However, without intervention, 5% of households, or 1.5 million people, will remain reliant on traditional linear broadcasting by that year.
The Broadcast 2040+ campaign emphasizes the need for the review to prioritize the impact of an online-only shift on vulnerable communities. Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance and member of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign, stated: “There are millions of people who rely on terrestrial TV to stay informed, entertained and connected – and will do so for many years to come. These are often the poorest in our society who don’t have the option of buying smart TVs or expensive broadband subscriptions.”
This ‘unconnected’ group tends to be older, have a lower socioeconomic status, and reside in rural areas. The cost of broadband and a lack of digital skills contribute to these households' reluctance to adopt IPTV or internet-delivered programs.