The government has set up a new industry group to look at the future of UK television.
Chaired by Media Minister and Barnsley MP, Stephanie Peacock, it will bring together representatives from the TV industry and audience groups, to examine changes in television consumption.
It comes as the DCMS publishes new research showing some households risk being excluded with the shift towards online media.
Based on current trends, the report predicted that 95% of households will have the capacity to watch TV over the internet by 2040. However 5% of households, or 1.5m 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.
“Streaming has revolutionised the television industry. Viewers have never had more choice over what to watch and how to access content,” said Media Minister Stephanie Peacock.
“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.
“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.”
The working group will include members from Ofcom, broadcasters, streamers, mobile companies and viewing groups, such as Silver Voices and the Digital Poverty Alliance.
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 3 smaller working 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.
The forum is due to meet quarterly, starting later this month.
