The UK government has announced a new initiative to address the future of traditional linear television broadcasting, as new research reveals that some households risk exclusion due to the growing shift towards online TV. The move, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), aims to ensure that no one is left behind as more viewers turn to streaming and internet-based television.
A new working group will be established under the leadership of Media Minister Stephanie Peacock MP. This group will bring together key players from the broadcasting industry, infrastructure providers, and audience advocacy groups to examine how viewers, including those who are older or lack internet-enabled TV connections, can continue to access British TV content.
The new group will begin meeting quarterly from this month and focus on making traditional broadcast television more sustainable in the face of changing viewing habits. With a particular emphasis on protecting those at risk of exclusion, the forum will explore solutions to ensure accessible and affordable TV services for all. The group’s work will also assess how the industry can balance the shift to online platforms with the need to maintain broadcast options for underserved communities.
Alongside this forum, three specialised working groups will support the initiative, each chaired by prominent industry figures. Gill Hind, Chief Operating Officer and TV Director at Enders Analysis, Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO of the Digital TV Group, and Catherine Johnson, a DCMS College of Experts academic, will lead the subgroups. These teams will gather evidence and shape policy direction in preparation for larger forum discussions, with a focus on the TV sector, infrastructure, and audience needs.
Media Minister Stephanie Peacock MP highlighted the rapid transformation of television, acknowledging both the opportunities and the challenges it brings. “Streaming has revolutionised the television industry,” she noted. “Viewers have never had more choice over what to watch and how to access content. As the shift towards streaming and online broadcasting 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.”
A new research report released by DCMS today underpins the urgency of this work. Conducted by Exeter University and independent researchers, the report offers insights into the future of UK television distribution, based on current trends. The findings project that by 2040, around 95% of households will have the capability to access TV via the internet, but an estimated 5%—equivalent to around 1.5 million people—will still rely on traditional linear broadcasting without government intervention. The report highlights that those most likely to be left out of online broadcasting tend to be older, live in rural areas, and face financial or digital skills barriers to accessing internet-based television.
The research underscores the importance of addressing the ‘digital divide’ and ensuring that British TV remains accessible for everyone. Cost barriers, lack of internet infrastructure in rural areas, and limited digital literacy are highlighted as significant obstacles to the uptake of internet-based TV services, particularly among lower socioeconomic groups.
As the forum and supporting working groups progress, DCMS aims to develop a comprehensive strategy that both protects the future of linear broadcasting and facilitates an inclusive transition to online television services, securing continued access to British content for all.
