Owned by the UK ’ s leading public service broadcasters , the change in name is designed to reflect a revised mandate for the organisation : ‘ To lead the evolution of free , universal , high-quality television , in a way that protects and strengthens the social glue provided by Britain ’ s broadcasting heritage . Everyone TV will guide Britain into a new era where audiences can still watch their favourite PSB TV shows without charge whatever platform they choose .’

Freeview and Freesat , which together offer 100 % coverage of the nation and serve 18 million British homes , will retain their consumer brand identities . But the overarching company now has a name that underlines its mission to ‘ champion free TV for all ’, serving every British household in a bid to safeguard the nation ’ s shared love of unifying , magical television moments .

“ Among our tasks in the years ahead is defusing a threat to universality that could catch the industry by surprise ,” advised CEO Jonathan Thompson . “ From the Queen ’ s funeral to the victorious England women ’ s football team , shared moments of sorrow and joy , drama and poignancy , are currently brought into every British home simultaneously by our world-leading television industry . But that could be lost in a fragmented future world of TV viewing . We at Everyone TV will lead the evolution of free television services in the UK so that universality – in all senses of the word – remains a fundamental principle .”

Digital UK was founded in 2005 by the broadcasters and transmission companies of Britain with the purpose of masterminding the switchover from the analogue aerial system that had brought television into our homes since the first days of BBC TV in the 1930s to the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTT ) that we use today .

“ Over the coming years , the vital role of television in information and education as well as entertainment will need careful oversight to protect it ,” asserted Thompson . “ Having the right senior leaders in post at Everyone TV is critical to ensuring we can achieve our strategic objectives of successfully delivering the evolution of our free TV

“ We at Everyone TV will lead the evolution of free television services in the UK so that universality – in all senses of the word – remains a fundamental principle .”

platforms for a digital age and supporting the health of free-to-view TV for the long term .”

Everyone TV ’ s public service broadcaster owners subsequently appointed seasoned industry executive Erik Huggers as the new chairman .

Much of Huggers ’ experience in technology was gained at Microsoft where he spent eight years as a senior director in both Europe and the US before joining the BBC in May 2007 .

There , he led the launch of BBC iPlayer at the end of that year as part of his responsibilities for the public service broadcaster ’ s direct-toconsumer services across web , mobile and TV platforms . Huggers subsequently went on to hold senior roles at Intel , Verizon and Vevo , serving as CEO for three years at the latter .

As chairman of Everyone TV , Huggers will provide leadership and direction to the organisation ’ s Board of Directors – drawn from the BBC , ITV , Channel 4 and Channel 5 – as well as the senior management team . He succeeds Caroline Thomson , the media executive , who is stepping down after more than 10 years in the role .

“ I ’ m delighted that the PSBs have appointed Erik as the new chairman of Everyone TV ,” declared Thompson . “ He brings to the role a wealth of highly relevant UK and international experience and a deep understanding of the technology and media sectors . I ’ m really looking forward to working with him . I ’ d also like to thank Caroline for her expert stewardship of the organisation over the last decade , we are incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication she has shown to the company and its people .

“ The UK ’ s broadcasting sector with public service broadcasting at its heart is the envy of the world ,” commented Huggers . “ I have long admired the principle of high quality content delivered free at the point of use for all . As the worlds of tech and entertainment increasingly converge , it ’ s imperative that the distribution of free TV adapts . I ’ m very much looking forward to working with the public service broadcasters as well as Jonathan and his senior leadership team to help shape the next phase of free TV in the UK .”