As new research finds the shift towards online TV viewing could exclude some viewers, Professor Catherine Johnson joins government efforts to scrutinise the future of linear broadcasting.
Media Minister Stephanie Peacock MP will chair a new stakeholder forum to include representatives from UK regulator Ofcom, TV broadcasters, infrastructure operators and organizations representing audiences.
The new forum will consider how all viewers — including older people and those without connectivity to the internet on their TV — can ensure continued access to content as audiences move from traditional linear broadcasting to online streaming.
The announcement coincides with the publication of the Future of TV Distribution report, which has found that over 95% of households will be able to watch TV via the internet by 2040. This will leave 5% or 1.5 million people continuing to rely on traditional linear broadcasting, according to the report by the University of Exeter, Professor Johnson at the University of Leeds, MTM and Real Wireless.
As the shift towards streaming and watching live broadcasting online continues, it is vital that no one is left behind.
Professor Johnson from the School of Media and Communication will chair one of the three working groups, focused on Audiences, that will support the stakeholder forum.
The working groups will meet separately to provide research evidence and advise on policy development ahead of the larger forum discussions.
Professor Johnson said: “I am honoured and excited to be chairing the audiences working group and contributing to this important stakeholder forum on the future of TV distribution.
“I welcome the opportunity to work with the government, regulators and industry to improve the evidence base and identify the issues and options relevant to the future of TV distribution.”
Future of TV Distribution report
The Future of TV Distribution report found that by 2040, over 95% of households will be able to watch TV via the internet, leaving 5% or 1.5 million people continuing to rely on traditional linear broadcasting. Most of this demographic were older, living rurally and of lower socioeconomic status. The cost of broadband and lack of digital skills are factors in preventing households from adopting Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) or programmes delivered via the internet.
The report, which was commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), looked at the UK’s current television delivery and consumption trends, examining how they are likely to change in the coming decade, if no government intervention is taken.
Media Minister Stephanie Peacock MP 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.”
Further information
Top image caption: Professor Catherine Johnson.
Please contact Morgan Buswell in the University of Leeds press office on m.buswell@leeds.ac.uk for further information.