#OTB24 · 6 February 2024
Outside the Box, the TV industry event exclusively focusing on the future of free television, returned on Tuesday 6 February 2024.
Brought to you by Everyone TV, the organisation leading the evolution of free TV, OTB24 explored the theme of ‘Past into Future’ and asked:
- How can we take the features that have made British television an international powerhouse into tomorrow and beyond?
- How might we reimagine access to free television – live channels and on demand programming – in an increasingly IP world?
- How can broadcasters combat news avoidance and build trust in news programming, particularly among young adult viewers?
Inspiring speakers and renowned thought leaders answered these questions, and much more.
Everyone TV also showcased the very first look at Freely – the new free TV service delivering live TV via broadband – ahead of its 2024 launch.
Outside the Box was once again hosted by the broadcaster and journalist Cathy Newman.
If you are interested in watching Outside the Box 2024, please register to watch on-demand.
Outside the Box 2024 Highlights
Highlights from Everyone TV's Outside the Box 2024, the only media event that focuses on the future of free television in the UK. OTB24 took place on 6 February 2024 at London's Picturehouse Central, and was hosted by broadcaster and journalist Cathy Newman.
Meet our speakers
Learn more about our Outside the Box 2024 speakers
Programme
Part 1
08:30 REGISTRATION & LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
09:30 WELCOME TO OTB24
OTB24 host Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist, welcomes attendees gathered at London’s Picturehouse Central as well as those watching the livestream.
09:35 OPENING KEYNOTE – PAST INTO FUTURE
This session unites three broadcasting talents to discuss the impact of change in British television over several decades. To what extent has our television industry and its programming reflected societal change? Which features of our unique television system – such as universal reach, a rich abundance of culturally relevant programming, high quality news, a nurturer of new talent, an innovator taking risks – do they cherish most, and which should be taken into the future? What advice would they give their past selves, and new entrants now navigating the ever-evolving television landscape?
Lorraine Heggessey, Media Executive & Senior Advisor and Nicôle Lecky, Writer, Actor & Singer-songwriter in conversation with Mariella Frostrup, Broadcaster, Journalist & Author
Featuring contributions from rising creative talents Talisha ‘Tee Cee’ Johnson, Sophia Smith Galer and Grace Hetherington
10:05 EMBRACING CHANGE
Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive, Everyone TV offers an analysis of where the UK television industry is in 2024, and where it is likely to be heading. He will argue that profound change requires a need for reinvention and new ways of thinking about the future of television.
10:20 FREE TV’S EVOLUTIONARY LEAP
Everyone TV is leading the evolution of free television with the launch later in 2024 of Freely, a ground-breaking TV service that for the first time streams free live channels and on demand programming to smart TVs, all in one place. In this session Everyone TV reveals how it went about reimagining free television in the streaming era and exclusively previews Freely’s innovative interface as we hear how Freely’s development has been propelled by collaboration and partnerships.
PRESENTATION – UNBOXING FREELY
- Sarah Milton & Carl Pfeiffer, Joint Chief Product Officers, Everyone TV
PANEL DISCUSSION
- Garazi Goia, Senior Managing Director, Media & Entertainment Lead EMEA, FTI Delta
- Howard Grindrod, Vice President, Hisense UK
- Jonathan Newman, General Manager, Commercial, BBC Studios UK Distribution and UKTV
- Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive, Everyone TV
Chaired by Spencer Kelly, Presenter
11:00 - 11:30 COFFEE BREAK
Programme
Part 2
11.30 WELCOME BACK
Host Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist, welcomes Picturehouse Central attendees and livestream viewers to the second part of OTB24.
11:35 IN NEWS WE TRUST?
This session asks how news broadcasters can build trust and combat news fatigue. What has happened to the public’s relationship with news? Why are so many people turned-off and tuning away? What is the link between this trend and political engagement? With a likely general election here in 2024 and presidential elections in the US, how can broadcasters build bridges between citizens and politicians? What are the fresh approaches pursued by new entrants, and how should mainstream broadcasters be evolving to better serve audiences, taking the best of today into the future?
PRESENTATION – THE CHANGING NEWS LANDSCAPE
- Nic Newman, Senior Research Associate, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
PANEL DISCUSSION
- Rachel Corp, Chief Executive, ITN
- Sir Craig Oliver, Co-Global Head of Strategy and Reputation, FGS Global
- Ayesha Hazarika, Broadcaster & Journalist
- Ava Santina Evans, Political Correspondent, PoliticsJOE
Chaired by John Pienaar, Broadcaster & Journalist
12:25 KEYNOTE CONVERSATION – POLITICS & MEDIA: THE ULTIMATE POWER PLAY?
With a general election expected later this year we consider the power play that’s played out over generations between politicians and the media, particularly broadcast media. How is that relationship changing and how might it further evolve in future? What is the right relationship between our politicians and the media for a healthy democracy. Plus: As the Media Bill continues its passage through Parliament, how might a future government support and bolster the UK’s creative economy? What needs to be in place for British broadcasting to continue to thrive for decades to come?
Damian Collins OBE MP, former DCMS Minister & former Chair of the DCMS Select Committee in conversation with Andrew Marr, Broadcaster & Journalist
12:50 FINAL WORD & CLOSING REMARKS
Cathy Newman, Broadcaster & Journalist and Erik Huggers, Chairman, Everyone TV reflect on changes in the broadcasting landscape and the key points made at OTB24.