UK government studies future of linear TV
The UK government is to scrutinise the future of linear TV broadcasting , as new research shows that some viewers could be excluded from the general shift towards online viewership .
Senior representatives from Ofcom , TV broadcasters , infrastructure operators and organisations representing audiences will form a new working group , convened by media minister Stephanie Peacock MP . It will consider how all viewers , including older 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 ,” stated 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 are factors in preventing households from adopting Internet Protocol Television ( IPTV ) or programmes delivered via the Internet .
“ 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 ,” commented 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 .”
“ While access to IPTV is set to approach universality in the next decade , the report highlights the sizeable group that will – without support – remain reliant on Broadcast TV ,” noted Rob Collier , head of strategy at MTM , and co-author of the report said . “ As with the move from analogue to digital over a decade ago , there are a raft of considerations and ramifications for the entire TV ecosystem to navigate as we shift towards IPTV . This crucial report – a year in the making , and with leading industry insights – explores trends in TV viewing habits , the future role of IPTV , and the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind . It ’ s an important read for anyone in the industry and we ’ re delighted to have helped bring clarity to such a complex issue .”
“ As the shift towards streaming continues , it is vital that no one is left behind .” people and those without Internet connectivity on their TV , can continue to access world-class British content as consumer habits continue to change .
The group will consult 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 .
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 . The forum is to meet quarterly .
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 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 long-term plan that ensures everyone in society can access worldclass British content in the decades to come .”
As part of this work , the Department of Culture , Media and Sport is publishing 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
European SVoD sub growth slows in 2024
A study from consulting firm Oliver Wyman reveals that growth in European video streaming subscriptions is slowing in 2024 .
While 70 % of consumers across the UK , Spain , France , Germany and Italy subscribe to at least one streaming service ( averaging 1.5 subscriptions per person ), 8 % plan to cancel , primarily due to a lack of compelling content . Meanwhile , 2 % intend to add new services in 2025 .
While Spain , the UK , and Italy boast high video streaming subscription rates ( 73 %), France and Germany lag behind ( 65 % and 67 % respectively ), with a third of their populations not subscribed , suggesting considerable room for market expansion . Spain shows the greatest potential for future growth , with 33 % of its consumers planning to add more streaming services .
EUROMEDIA 5