Terrestrial TV audiences risk dip in quality

TERRESTRIAL TV is reaching a “tipping point” that risks leaving older audiences with less choice and reduced quality, Ofcom has warned.

In a report out yesterday, the media watchdog warned that a sharp decline in traditional TV viewing had prompted broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 to place an ever-growing focus on their streaming services.

The shift risks leaving many viewers, particularly older ones, left behind if the switch is “unmanaged”. Ofcom urged ministers to draw up plans to safeguard the future of public service TV. Broadcasters are shifting their focus as collapsing terrestrial viewing numbers make this form of transmission increasingly economically challenging, with advertisers less keen to book time.

The average number of minutes of broadcast TV watched per day has fallen by 25pc since 2018, according to Ofcom, as viewers flock to streaming rivals such as Netflix and Disney.

Many younger viewers have abandoned terrestrial TV altogether, with an estimated 5.3m households only accessing TV via the internet. The BBC has said it could switch off terrestrial services by 2030, while Channel 4 has also outlined plans to be a digital-first broadcaster by the end of the decade.

Rupert Murdoch’s Talktv has shut its terrestrial channel to go online only, while Sky is cutting 1,000 jobs amid waning demand for satellite products.

There are about 3.9m households who still rely solely on Freeview or Freesat to watch TV.

The watchdog said: “This question of setting out a long-term vision is a pressing one that needs to be addressed in the next 1-2 years to allow time for sufficient preparation to ensure audiences do not lose out.”