UK media reforms propose 2034 for internet TV transition
June 23, 2026 12.40 Europe/London By Julian Clover


The UK government has published a wide-ranging Green Paper that could require social media platforms to give greater prominence to trusted news providers, while also setting out plans for the long-term future of television distribution and public service media.

The consultation document, Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media, proposes measures to improve the visibility of content from public service media organisations including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, STV and S4C on social media and video-sharing platforms.

The move comes as media consumption continues to shift online. According to Ofcom, social media is now the primary source of news for three-quarters of 16-24 year-olds, while more than half of UK adults use social platforms to access news.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the changes were needed to ensure audiences continue to have access to trusted information.

“It is vital that we make sure that people have better access to trusted and accurate news and that our regulated public service media is seen and heard in the fierce battle against mis and disinformation,” she said.

The Green Paper also proposes broader reforms to the public service media framework, including greater flexibility for existing broadcasters and the possibility that other broadcasters and online channels could be designated as public service media providers in future.

A significant element of the consultation concerns the future of television distribution. While the government has committed to maintaining digital terrestrial television until at least the end of 2034, it is consulting on two possible timelines for a managed transition to internet-delivered television services: 2034 or 2044.

The proposals include support measures to ensure audiences are not excluded as viewing migrates online. The government said any transition would be accompanied by practical assistance, public information campaigns and targeted support for vulnerable groups.

The consultation also confirms the government’s intention to extend the Listed Events regime to include on-demand rights. The move would ensure that major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games and Wimbledon remain available free-to-air on digital and streaming platforms as viewing habits evolve.

Welcoming the review, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “UK viewers still love original British content from the PSBs and trust and value PSB News which helps to underpin our democracy.”

She added that reforms would help broadcasters continue delivering “trusted, high quality, easily accessible content” across both existing and emerging platforms.

The Digital TV Group (DTG), which has been leading industry discussions on the future of television infrastructure, said the publication marked an important milestone in planning for a transition to IP-based delivery.

DTG chief executive Richard Lindsay-Davies said: “It’s no longer a question of whether television distribution will change, but when and how that change happens.”

“If the conversation around the future of television becomes a debate about what gets switched off, we’ve probably started in the wrong place. The DTG will continue working across the sector to focus on what gets switched on.”

The government will consult on the proposals before setting out its preferred timeline for television distribution later this year.