As a senior citizen residing in a rural community, I am deeply concerned about the future of linear TV broadcasting in the U.K. Being part of the 5% who still rely on traditional broadcasting methods, I can’t help but feel like the odd one out amidst the digital revolution that is streaming.
Through a fresh platform, the British government plans to evaluate the upcoming changes in traditional TV broadcasting, as a study released last Friday suggests that certain viewers might miss out during the transition towards streaming services.
A new collaborative team, consisting of high-level figures from the U.K.’s regulatory body Ofcom, television broadcasters, network operators, and audience representation groups, will be established under the guidance of Media Minister Stephanie Peacock.
Following an analysis conducted by a team from Exeter University and independent researchers, commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, on the current patterns of TV distribution and viewing in the U.K., the findings have been revealed.
By 2040, it’s projected that approximately 95% of households will be able to stream TV online. However, around 5%, or about 1.5 million people, may continue to rely on conventional broadcasting if no government intervention occurs. This group is predominantly older adults, those with lower socioeconomic standing, and residents in rural areas.
According to Peacock, streaming has significantly transformed the television sector,” he stated. “Nowadays, viewers enjoy an unprecedented level of choice regarding what they watch and how they access content. With the trend toward online streaming and live broadcasting growing, it’s crucial that everyone has equal opportunities to enjoy TV. My goal is to make sure as many people as possible can watch TV in a manner that suits their preferences.
The upcoming forum aims to ensure that various audiences, including seniors and individuals lacking internet connection on their TVs, can still enjoy British content as more people shift towards online viewing.
The team plans to collaborate with essential partners to discuss the influence of shifting viewing trends, such as increased online show streaming, on the upcoming landscape of television transmission. Additionally, they aim to examine the financial strain this presents when it comes to maintaining conventional TV broadcasting.
Gill Hind, the COO and TV director at Enders Analysis, Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO of Digital TV Group, and Catherine Johnson, an academic from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) College of Experts, will lead three smaller advisory groups within the forum. These groups represent various sectors such as television, infrastructure, and audiences. Each group will convene separately to collect data and advance policy-making efforts prior to the main discussions in the larger forum. This way, they can contribute more effectively to the overall discussion and policy development process.
The forum is due to meet quarterly, starting later this month.
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2024-11-08 13:54