The UK government has officially published a green paper setting out reforms to protect the long-term future of the country’s media ecosystem, including public service broadcasters.
Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media states that the government remains committed to the continuity of digital terrestrial television (DTT) until at least the end of 2034,
However, it said it must consider long-term models for the future of TV distribution in the UK to “ensure the sector thrives for decades to come and continues to be sustainable as technology advances”.
Any move away from DTT would be “supported by a package of measures developed with industry, including public service media providers, charities and platform operators,” said the government.
As part of the green paper, the government is seeking views on two potential timelines for a managed transition to internet-based TV services: 2034 and 2044.
“While the government sees a strong case for a 2034 transition, it recognises the challenges involved and is consulting on both options to ensure the process is handled in a way that protects all audiences. Responses to the consultation will inform the final decision on the preferred timeline, which the government intends to set out later this year.”
“As the media landscape moves further and further online away from traditional broadcasting we must act so that our world-leading TV sector continues to thrive and top quality UK content keeps being produced,” said culture secretary Lisa Nandy.
Reacting to the discussion around the switchover, The Connection Project—a partnership between broadcasters, telecoms providers, banks and leading charities—urged the government to opt for the earlier date.
“A 2034 date creates the urgency needed to complete the job of building high quality connectivity across the UK, find solutions for those who can’t afford even the cheapest packages, and develop effective, trusted support for households. A later date risks losing this momentum,” said Natalie Ceeney CBE, chair of The Connection Project.
The Digital TV Group also said it welcomed clarity on the country’s future direction and urged the government to work collaboratively across the digital TV ecosystem to deliver a practical, inclusive transition to IP television.
Richard Lindsay-Davies, chief executive of the Digital TV Group, added: “It’s essential we focus on what we, as an industry, can deliver together. If the conversation around the future of television becomes a debate about what gets switched off, we’ve probably started in the wrong place. The DTG will continue working across the sector to focus on what gets switched on.”
The green paper is available to download here.
