How is TV changing in the UK? The Future of TV Distribution: Audience Research Report provides valuable insight into this transformation. Key trends include:
Shift Towards IPTV
More households are moving to IPTV, either using it exclusively or alongside traditional platforms. This shift is expected to continue, with IPTV-only and hybrid households becoming the majority over the next decade.
Sustainability Challenges for DTT
Maintaining the DTT infrastructure is becoming less sustainable. As the number of DTT viewers declines, the fixed costs of the network mean that the cost per remaining viewer increases, posing economic challenges.
Barriers to IPTV Adoption
Despite the growth of IPTV, not everyone can make the switch. Key barriers include:
- Lack of digital literacy
- Financial constraints
- Limited access to high-speed internet
- Resistance to change due to familiarity with traditional TV
Demographic Variations
These changes don’t impact everyone equally. Older adults and lower-income households are more likely to rely solely on DTT and face greater challenges in transitioning to IPTV.
Need for Policy Interventions
To facilitate a smoother transition and ensure inclusivity, the report suggests that government interventions may be necessary. This could involve:
- Subsidising access to necessary technology
- Providing digital literacy programmes
- Ensuring affordable high-speed internet access
Read the full report here.