The UK government is to examine the future of linear TV broadcasting amid fears that some older and underprivileged viewers could be excluded from the general shift towards streaming.
Media Minister Stephanie Peacock has launched a forum to advise on the issue, bringing together representatives from Ofcom, broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Sky, infrastructure operators like Arqiva and organisations representing audiences including Voice of the Listener and Viewer.
It will consider 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 forum will have a particular focus on the pressure the rise of streaming 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 due to meet quarterly, starting later this month.
Gill Hind, COO and Director of TV at Enders Analysis, Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO of research and technology organisation Digital TV Group, and DCMS College of Experts academic Catherine Johnson will chair three smaller working groups supporting the forum, representing the TV sector, infrastructure and audience groups.
Research published by the government 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, said the research. The cost of broadband and lack of digital skills are key factors in preventing households from adopting Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) or programmes delivered via the internet.
Media Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Streaming has revolutionised the television industry. 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.”
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
 (1) (1).jpg)
TG4 joins EIT Culture & Creativity as cooperation partner
Irish-language public-service broadcaster TG4 has joined EIT Culture & Creativity as a Cooperation Partner, bringing broadcaster expertise and real-world industry perspectives to Europe’s largest innovation network for the cultural and creative industries.
.jpg)
Sky secures planning approval for Livingston Campus
Sky has secured planning permission for its new Livingston Campus in Scotland.
Ready for action: IBC2026 puts sport at the winning end of media innovation
IBC2026 will put sport firmly at the centre of the global media and entertainment technology conversation with the strongest sports showing in the event’s history, bringing together the world’s leading sports organisations, broadcasters, rightsholders, and technology providers at the RAI Amsterdam from 11–14 September 2026.
.jpg)
Studiocanal launches Classics label for catalogue titles
Canal+’s production and distribution arm Studiocanal has launched Studiocanal Classics, a new worldwide label for its catalogue titles.
 (1).jpg)
Chris Sussman joins BBC as Director of Comedy
The BBC has appointed Chris Sussman as Director of Comedy. The executive previously served as Director of Scripted Series at Netflix UK and Head of Comedy at BBC Studios.
.jpg)
