VLV Spring Conference 2025

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VLV’s 42nd Spring Conference was held at The Geological Society, Piccadilly, London on 30th April 2025 and provided a comprehensive overview of the current state and future of UK public service broadcasting amid the rise of streaming platforms and evolving viewer habits. 

 

Opening with a session on the BBC’s storytelling and regional production, Rhodri Talfan Davies, the BBC’s Director of Nations, emphasised the challenges of sustainable funding and the cultural impact of streaming. The session was chaired by VLV Trustee and Classic FM presenter, Ritula Shah.

 

The second session introduced Freely, a new free-to-air streaming service by Everyone TV, aimed at consolidating live and on-demand public service content into a single platform and featured prominent broadcaster Roger Bolton as he interviewed Everyone TV CEO Jonathan Thompson and Chief Product Officer, Sarah Milton.

 

In the afternoon, a panel on funding UK public service broadcasting, featuring writer and director Peter Kosminsky, AC Chapter One Managing Director (and Mr Bates Vs The Post Office Executive Producer) Patrick Spence and television producer Sue Vertue, chaired by Professor Jane Martinson, produced proposals for addressing financial challenges, including the suggestion of a 5% streamer levy and enhanced tax credits for British content.  

 

The final session of the day, chaired by Torin Douglas, focused on adapting public service media for the digital age, with Professor of Media and Communication and VLV Trustee Professor Catherine Johnson, alongside Dr Dan Martin from the University of Leeds, outlining strategies to maintain audience engagement and brand recognition in a competitive streaming landscape.

 

Thank you to all of those who attended and took part, particularly our speakers, chairs and awards presenters. 

 

Our next event will be our Annual Autumn Conference which takes place on Wednesday 26th November 2025 at The Geological Society in London. More information and a registration link to book your place will be made available nearer the time.

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