DTG names FITT taskforce

The UK’s Digital TV Group (DTG) has confirmed the line-up of the recently launched Future of Innovation in Television Technology (FITT) Taskforce and its key work streams for 2013.

Launched by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey in September, the Taskforce’s aim is to define the measures that should be implemented to leverage the UK’s track record of innovating in television technology, in order to deliver sustainable UK economic growth.

The Taskforce is being led by a steering group consisting of technology innovators, senior content executives and leading academics in the field, in order to capture both technical and consumer perspectives. Organisations represented include EE, Freeview, Goldsmiths College, Microsoft, Sony and Virgin Media.

The Taskforce members include Sophie Turner-Laing, managing director, entertainment, news and broadcast operations, BSkyB and Howard Watson, chief architect at BT.

David Docherty, chairman of the taskforce, said: “The UK is a world leader in the successful delivery and evolution of digital television and associated technologies. With support from Government and the knowledge and expertise of senior executives from the broadcasting, content, technology and academic sectors, along with defined areas for development, the Future of Innovation in Television Technology Taskforce can work to ensure the UK’s valuable technology industry continues to drive innovation going forward.”

The Taskforce’s initial findings will be presented to industry at the 2013 DTG Summit on April 26.