Cover story
Cover story
Future TV distribution : OTA vs OTT
In November 2024 , the UK government announced it was to scrutinise the future of linear TV broadcasting , as new research indicated that some viewers could be excluded by the general shift towards online viewership .
Senior representatives from Ofcom , TV broadcasters , infrastructure operators and organisations representing audiences have formed a new working group , convened by media minister Stephanie Peacock MP . It is considering how all viewers , including older people and those without Internet connectivity on their TV , can continue to access British content as consumer habits continue to change .
The group is consulting with key stakeholders on how changing viewing habits and the rise in audiences watching shows over the Internet will impact the future of TV broadcasting . It will have a particular focus on the pressure this puts on delivering traditional broadcast television in a cost effective way . AIMS . The core aims of the group will be to ensure that no one is left behind amid a shift towards online viewing , and to establish a sustainable television ecosystem that works for both audiences and the industry . Gill Hind , COO and director of TV at Enders Analysis , Richard Lindsay- Davies , CEO of trade body Digital TV Group , and DCMS College of Experts academic Catherine Johnson will chair three smaller working
10 EUROMEDIA
“ I want to ensure that as many people as possible can watch TV in a way that suits them .” - Stephanie Peacock MP
The rise of streaming and demands on valuable spectrum means fundamental decisions need to be taken as to how TV is distributed in the future . Colin Mann discusses the implications with a range of industry players .
groups supporting the forum , representing the TV sector , infrastructure and audience groups . These groups will meet separately to gather evidence and drive forward policy development ahead of the larger forum discussions .
“ Streaming has revolutionised the television industry ,” declared Peacock . “ Viewers have never had more choice over what to watch and how to access content . 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 . This new forum , bringing together the major players in the TV industry and audience groups , will help deliver a longterm plan that ensures everyone in society can access world-class British content in the decades to come .” FINDINGS . As part of this work , the department published the findings of a research report commissioned in September 2023 , led by Exeter University and a group of independent researchers . The project looked at the UK ’ s current television delivery and consumption trends , examining how they are likely to change in the coming decade , if no government intervention is taken .
Based on current trends , the report predicts that 95 % of households will have the capacity to watch TV over the Internet by 2040 . However 5 % of households , or 1.5 million people , will still rely on traditional linear broadcasting by the same year , without intervention .
This ‘ unconnected ’ group tends to be significantly older , have a lower socioeconomic status and live in rural communities . The cost of broadband and lack of digital skills are factors in preventing households from adopting IP Television . VULNERABLE . “ 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 ,” noted Elizabeth Anderson , CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance and member of the Broadcast 2040 + campaign . “ These are often the poorest in our society who don ’ t have the option of buying smart TVs or expensive broadband subscriptions . This new government cannot leave the most vulnerable behind in the move to streaming . We urge this review to prioritise terrestrial TV for those who need it in this new review .”