The Bigger Picture Report 2026

Television, Trust and Transformation in the IP Era

The television industry is entering one of the most significant periods of transformation in generations.

From IP delivery and AI to audience fragmentation, creator ecosystems and changing viewing behaviours, many of the trends shaping the future of television are no longer evolving gradually, they are reaching meaningful tipping points.

Produced following DTG Summit 2026, this year’s Bigger Picture Report explores the forces reshaping the media landscape and the strategic questions now facing broadcasters, platforms, technology providers, advertisers and policymakers alike.

Across the day, industry leaders from organisations including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Google, YouTube and more explored how the industry is adapting to a world where audiences increasingly move fluidly between broadcast, streaming, social platforms, podcasts, creators and connected experiences.

The report captures the biggest themes, insights and debates from the summit, including:

• The future of television distribution and the UK’s transition towards IP delivery

• Why trust, universality and simplicity remain critical in connected TV environments

• The rise of creators, podcasts and personality-led media businesses

• What broadcasters can learn from YouTube, fandom and audience participation

• Streaming at scale and retention strategies around major live events

• The rapid growth of microdramas and vertical storytelling ecosystems

• AI’s evolution from experimentation into operational infrastructure

• Future audience behaviours across gaming, AI and connected platforms

As television expands beyond traditional definitions into a broader ecosystem of premium video experiences, the report examines how the industry can evolve while protecting the qualities audiences continue to value most: trust, quality, accessibility and shared experiences.

“We are no longer discussing gradual change. Many of the trends shaping the future of television are now reaching meaningful tipping points. And that is the Bigger Picture.”
Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO, Digital TV Group