Ofcom to examine future of terrestrial TV

The call for evidence is part of a wider review of market changes that could affect the future of content distribution on digital terrestrial television and other digital platforms, which is being carried out by Ofcom at the request of the UK government.

The call for evidence will examine the impact of recent market developments in how audiences watch content, and the longer-term impact that internet TV distribution will have on current services and platforms.

Ofcom said that to inform its review, it was inviting views on a range of factors which might affect the future TV distribution landscape, including how audience demands and expectations are evolving and what audience trends mean for the financial prospects and sustainability of TV distribution platforms.

Other areas of consideration are how broadband networks evolve to support internet TV delivery, hybrid terrestrial and internet services, the implications for changes to digital terrestrial television and what sort of coordination and planning might be required.

Ofcom said it wanted to hear from a wide range of stakeholders, including audience groups, content providers, network and infrastructure providers, device manufacturers and TV platforms.  

The closing date for responses is 12th December 2023.