On 17 October, Ofcom published a call for evidence on the future of TV distribution. This comes in the wake of the draft Media Bill and renewed scrutiny on changes to the way in which audiences consume content – increasingly, short-form content, distributed over the internet and watched on demand. Given Ofcom’s stated focus on “supporting the availability of, and engagement with, media we trust and value”, the regulator is now seeking evidence to explore how internet distribution will evolve and remain resilient for TV platforms and streaming services.

This call for evidence will allow industry stakeholders to comment on the key factors which affect TV distribution, particularly in respect of “the long-term role DTT could play in delivering for audiences beyond 2034 when the current national multiplex licences expire”.

The call for evidence questions are as follows:

1. How are audience demands and expectations evolving, and how does that vary for users of different TV platforms and different demographics?
2. What do audience trends mean for the financial prospects and sustainability of TV distribution platforms, and what are the key decision points over the next ten years?
3. How do broadband networks and supporting infrastructure need to evolve to support resilient delivery of TV over the internet in the future?
4. In what ways might different types of ‘hybrid’ terrestrial and internet services deliver benefits for audiences and what risks may arise?
5. Given the sharing of infrastructure, what would the implications for other sectors be if there was a change to the use of digital terrestrial television (DTT)?
6. What coordination and planning across the value chain might be necessary to secure good outcomes for audiences and key providers over the long term?

The deadline for responses is 12 December 2023, following which we eagerly await the publication of Ofcom’s findings.