Putting social inclusion at the heart of the future of television 

The way we watch television is changing. More people are now watching programmes online, and over time television delivered through the internet is likely to replace the traditional aerial-based TV that has served the UK for decades. For many, this shift may seem like a straightforward technological upgrade. Yet an important question risks being overlooked: what happens to those who are not fully connected to the digital world? 

This is not simply a debate about technology. It is a debate about social inclusion.

For generations, public service broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and S4C have played a vital role in British life. They have provided trusted news, helped people understand major national events and created shared moments that brought communities together. Whether during a general election, a public health campaign, a major sporting event or a cultural celebration, television has offered a common space where people from different backgrounds have engaged in the same conversation. 

That role is arguably more important today than ever before. As media becomes increasingly fragmented and misinformation spreads more easily online, trusted and widely accessible sources of information matter. Public service broadcasting remains one of the few institutions capable of reaching people across age groups, regions and communities. 

The challenge is that universal internet access is not the same as universal digital inclusion.

Millions of people across the UK remain offline or struggle with digital technology because of affordability, confidence, skills or accessibility barriers. Older people, those on lower incomes and vulnerable individuals are particularly affected. While many of these households can currently access television easily through an aerial, the move to internet-based television risks creating a new form of exclusion if the right support and incentives are not put in place. 

Consider an elderly person living alone who relies on television not just for entertainment, but for news, companionship and a connection to the wider world. Today, accessing those services is straightforward. Tomorrow, it could require broadband, a suitable device and the confidence to navigate unfamiliar digital systems and apps. Not least, ageing inevitably brings mental, physical and practical challenges, meaning that even people who are tech-savvy today may find it harder to navigate complex digital services in later life.

If we fail to support people through that transition, we risk deepening the very loneliness and exclusion that public policy is trying to address.

For faith communities, broadcasting can also play an important role in fostering belonging and connection. Coverage of major religious events, including Eid celebrations, as Equi reported in 2025, helps people feel recognised as part of the national story. For older or more isolated members of faith communities, access to such content can be an important source of connection, participation and belonging. Equi’s research has highlighted the growing social and economic impact of loneliness in the UK, costing £6bn a year and projected to rise to £10bn by 2034. Access to trusted information and shared cultural experiences can play an important role in helping people remain connected to the world around them. 

There is also a wider question of social cohesion.

A healthy society requires common reference points and opportunities for people to encounter people, perspectives and experiences beyond their own social, cultural or faith communities. Television has long helped fulfil that role. Research has shown that broadcasting services can help communities feel represented, strengthen a sense of belonging and bring families together through shared viewing experiences. As personalised and algorithm-driven media become more dominant, preserving spaces that support a shared national conversation becomes increasingly important. 

The good news is that this transition could become an opportunity rather than a problem.

If managed well, helping people move online for television could also help them access a wider range of digital opportunities, including public services, educational resources, community networks and trusted sources of information. Television could become a gateway to greater digital participation rather than a symbol of digital exclusion. 

However, that outcome will not happen automatically. Government, regulators, broadcasters and technology companies need a shared plan to ensure nobody is left behind. Any transition should be guided by a few simple principles: access must remain universal, affordability must be protected, services must be easy to use, vulnerable groups must receive targeted support, and reliability must remain a priority. 

Ultimately, the success of this transition should not be judged by the sophistication of the technology nor by arguments over the BBC licence fee. It should be judged by whether everyone, regardless of age, income, background or digital confidence, can continue to access trusted information and participate fully in national life.

Technology will shape the future of television. But the needs of people across age groups, regions and communities must shape the transition.

Dr Mamnun Khan, the author of Being British Muslims: Beyond Ethnocentric Religion and Identity Politics, is a British Muslim thinker and writer who explores identity, Islam, and the social integration of Muslims in contemporary Britain. His work critically examines the challenges and opportunities faced by British Muslims, advocating for a balanced God-centred approach that transcends ethnocentrism and ideological extremes.

The views expressed in Equi Comments pieces reflect the author’s perspective and do not necessarily represent the views of Equi. We provide this platform to encourage dialogue on broad themes related to our work, from diverse perspectives.