The UK government has initiated plans to explore sustainable ways to preserve linear television for older and disadvantaged audiences in the face of the ongoing streaming transformation. Senior representatives from Ofcom, TV broadcasters, infrastructure operators and organizations representing audiences will form a new working group, convened by Media Minister Stephanie Peacock MP. It will consider how all viewers, including older 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.
Stephanie Peacock commented: “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.”
Peacock will also lead a forum of broadcasters and industry experts to assess the future of traditional TV, ensuring continued access to British programming for all viewers. The forum, which will convene quarterly, will include representatives from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount, Sky, and media regulator Ofcom. The group’s objective is to guarantee that “no one is left behind” amid the rise of internet-connected viewing and services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Peacock added: “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 world-class British content in the decades to come.”
Government research indicated 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 Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) or programmes delivered via the internet.