eCreation recently attended DTG FutureTech 2026, hosted by the DTG at the BBC Radio Theatre. Set within one of the UK’s most iconic broadcasting venues, the event brought together public service broadcasters, commercial media organisations, and technology leaders to explore how the industry is navigating IP transition, cloud transformation, and the growing influence of AI.
A strong theme throughout the day was that innovation in UK television is increasingly an ecosystem activity. Speakers consistently highlighted the importance of partnerships, shared frameworks, and collaboration across broadcasters, suppliers, and standards bodies. The future success of UK TV was framed not simply in terms of reach or technology adoption, but also trust, public value, and accessibility.
This shift places renewed emphasis on aligning technical strategy with business goals and organisational culture, rather than pursuing isolated or purely technology-led initiatives.
The transition to IP-based delivery is well underway, with clear evidence that audiences increasingly prefer to consume content over IP. However, speakers stressed that broadcast switch-off does not mean the end of linear television, and that the path to an IP-first future must be actively managed.
Digital inclusion emerged as a central concern. Barriers such as affordability, motivation, digital skills, and accessibility risk excluding key audience groups unless addressed through policy, platform design, and industry cooperation. Ensuring that IP delivery works “for all” was positioned as a critical responsibility for public service media.
From cloud migration to media supply chain modernisation, technology leaders were clear that large-scale transformation must be delivered incrementally. Many organisations are actively reducing system complexity, moving away from monolithic platforms towards more componentised workflows that can evolve over time.
The focus is shifting from major one-off technology programmes to agility, speed to value, and organisational readiness. Simplification was repeatedly described as one of the most valuable, and difficult, outcomes of transformation.
AI featured prominently across the programme, from content discovery and advertising to production tooling and workflow optimisation. While there is strong momentum behind AI adoption, speakers were equally candid about the risks: uncontrolled costs, uneven skills, governance challenges, and the need for responsible deployment.
A recurring perspective was that AI should be designed to augment human creativity and decision-making rather than replace it. Several organisations emphasised the importance of education, internal champions, and clear guardrails to ensure AI delivers sustainable value.
Perhaps the most consistent message of the day was that cultural change is often harder than technical change. Successful transformation depends on transparency, engagement with non-technical stakeholders, and helping teams understand not just what is changing, but why.
Across both public service and commercial broadcasters, cultural and organisational alignment was described as the biggest long-term win, and the foundation on which technology transformation must sit.
DTG FutureTech 2026 reinforced the scale of change facing the broadcast and media sector, but also the strength of collaboration across the industry. With IP transition, AI adoption, and evolving audience expectations accelerating in parallel, shared learning and partnership will be critical to navigating the next decade of UK television.
The event also highlighted why venues like New Broadcasting House remain powerful symbols of the industry’s ability to evolve while staying rooted in public value and creative excellence.
To learn more about how eCreation supports broadcasters and media organisations with AI adoption, media supply chain transformation, and emerging technologies, please contact us.
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