Beyond Digital Switchover: The Future of Broadcasting and Spectrum Implications

The British Experience

Cath Westcott BBC World Service Distribution - Oct 2017

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INTRODUCING…

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BBC Services: across TV, Radio and Online

Television

Radio

Online

9 national channels

3 channels for international audiences (BBC World News, BBC Arabic and BBC Persian)

10 national radio services >40 local radio services in England

BBC World Service broadcasts in 41 languages internationally

BBC Online, BBC iPlayer and mobile apps

International BBC

BBC World Service Group

BBC Worldwide

Broadcasting and spectrum

Broadcasting at the ITU

ITU-R Study Group 6

ITU Strategic Plans 2016-2019 Transition of analogue to digital broadcasting used as measure for meeting ITU-R and ITU-D objectives 2017-2023 Public Service Broadcasting will be key element in achieving many UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

From Ofcom’s UHF strategy statement 2012

Digital switchover • Phased and planned switchover

between 2008 and 2012

• Government decision, broadcaster delivery

• Increased TV channels from 5 to around 70 plus HD services

• DSO run by Digital UK (owned by BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Arqiva)

Use of TV distribution platforms

6163 694

3392

1675

Total BBC viewing per year (Millions of hours)

Freeview

Freesat

Sky

Virgin

Reed Hastings CEO Netflix: “The iPlayer really blazed the trail long before Netflix and really got people used to this idea of on-demand viewing.” (Daily Telegraph 5th Oct 2014)

Looking Forward “Even as the BBC seeks to create outstanding content on its current channels, it will need to “ride two horses” simultaneously, investing in digital, mobile and personalised services to keep pace with technology change and audience expectations.” BBC Director General, Tony Hall BBC Annual Report and Accounts 2016/17

THANK YOU...