Morning, Tuesday, 24th November 2026
Online
This conference will examine the future of television distribution in the UK.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to consider next steps following publication of the green paper Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media, including the Government’s preferred approach of a managed transition from digital terrestrial television to internet-based TV, with DTT switch-off proposed for either 2034 or 2044.
Delegates will assess implications of different transition timelines and delivery approaches for viewers, broadcasters and network operators, including questions relating to continuity of service, consumer confidence and the long-term sustainability of public service media. Discussion is also expected on the evidence and proposals developed through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Future of TV Distribution Stakeholder Forum, particularly on preparedness across the broadcasting sector, infrastructure requirements, audience readiness and the evidence needed to inform decisions on the timeline and delivery of the transition.
Transition to internet-based television
Further sessions will examine options for policy and regulation in addressing barriers to IPTV adoption, including implications for households that may experience difficulties accessing television services during the transition and impacts on broadband infrastructure, network resilience, spectrum availability and the future of DTT multiplex licences beyond 2034. Delegates will consider implementation of the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan and its One Year On priorities, as well as the role of local support, digital literacy training and broadcasters in tackling digital exclusion.
The agenda will also consider approaches to maintaining access to television services for all audiences during the proposed transition to IPTV, and implications of options for current investment in DTT services. User experience and broadcaster prominence will be discussed, including themes emerging from responses to Ofcom’s consultation on its draft code of practice and guidance for prominence and accessibility on connected TV platforms. The conference will also consider issues around the prominence of public service media content on video-sharing and other online platforms, alongside next steps for collaboration between broadcasters, platform operators, hardware manufacturers, streaming services and video-sharing platforms.
Overview of areas for discussion
- policy: proposals in the Watch this space green paper for the future of TV distribution - the proposed managed transition from DTT to IPTV - options for DTT switch-off in 2034 or 2044
- regulatory development: frameworks to accommodate online distribution - fair competition between broadcasters and streaming platforms - safeguarding public service obligations
- distribution models: delivery and sequencing of the move from broadcast to online television - transitional or hybrid provision - consumer readiness and impact on PSM obligations
- spectrum: implications of online viewership for spectrum allocation - evidence on the value and alternative uses of DTT spectrum - future of the UHF band - spectrum reallocation for other uses
- cost and risks: financial implications and one‑off costs of transition - addressing household exclusion and barriers to IPTV adoption
- broadcaster constraints: investment in digital players - revenue pressures as audiences move away from DTT - financial burden of maintaining presence across multiple platforms
- broadband: infrastructure capacity pressures created by mass IPTV adoption - network resilience, reliability and investment requirements
- cross‑sector impact: implications of the shift for adjacent industries and services - addressing potential issues for local news, radio and audio platforms
- accessibility and usability: alignment of online services with user needs - inclusivity - practicalities for implementing recommendations for simplifying interfaces - responsibilities for developers
- digital inclusion: collaborative approaches to supporting access for households and individuals - alignment with the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan and priorities following its first-year progress review
