Terrestrial Broadcasting for Europe’s Digital Future

With its trusted free-to-air content, terrestrial television and radio are essential to European life.

As the EU enters a new mandate, urgent action is needed to support innovation and to secure long-term access to the UHF spectrum (470–694 MHz).

Terrestrial broadcasting ensures universal access to viewers, reinforces sovereign infrastructure, and sustains Europe’s vibrant content sector. It is essential to media pluralism, democracy, and cultural diversity.

Looking to 2040, terrestrial broadcasting is set to evolve with new capabilities that improve picture quality, expand access to mobile devices, and strengthen emergency communication. Developments like UHD, HbbTV, and 5G Broadcast will ensure reliable, free-to-air content remains widely available—even during network disruptions. With over €43 billion invested each year in content and infrastructure, terrestrial platforms will continue to be a cornerstone of Europe’s digital and democratic future.