New EBU Digital Committee Chair Philippe Keutgen has called for collective action on gatekeepers.
Keutgen, who is also Media Platforms Strategy and Partnerships Advisor at RTBF, is looking at the Big Tech-backed platforms that are fast penetrating consumer devices.
“The competition is no longer just local, it’s global,” Keutgen explained. “We’re not only competing with private broadcasters but also with supranational tech giants who are redefining access, monetisation and visibility. Whether it’s connected TVs, in-car platforms, or AI assistants, gatekeepers are the middlemen between us and our audiences.”
Keutgen wants the EBU to create a collective response from its members – already there is a shift beyond that of the smart TV into in-car entertainment systems.
While many broadcasters focus – as they always have – on reaching younger demographics, Keutgen also wants to help Members re-engage existing, loyal audiences.
“At RTBF, we talk about ‘audience repatriation’ – how we bring people back to our platforms,” he said. “It’s not just about chasing Gen Z. Many of our older viewers are still primarily linear, but we want to help them discover how rich our digital content offering is.”
That means a better use of data, personalisation, and platform design. “Digital isn’t a side project. It must be part of everything we do. And I want the Digital Committee to be recognised as the place where Members come not just for ideas, but for solutions,” says Keutgen.
