Concern is rising that Freeview could be switched off (Image: Getty)
A massive surge of support has been seen for a campaign trying to save Freeview from being turned off in a few years. Thousands have backed a petition which fears that terrestrial television could be ‘switched off’.
A petition on Change.Org has seen backing rise to almost 100,000 signatures in the last few weeks, showing strength of feeling. And it comes as Sky released research and urged the government to switch off and ‘move fully to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s’.
Nick Herm, Group Chief Operating Officer at Sky, said:“This research shows that modern TV and social inclusion can go hand in hand. A full move to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s is achievable – and it can help close the digital divide rather than deepen it.
“With most people already streaming, an investment from the Government in skills and affordable connectivity for the relatively small number of households who still need help to get online will have benefits far beyond TV, while saving hundreds of millions on maintaining legacy systems.”
To read the Sky report click here. The petition said: “Terrestrial television, received through an aerial, often known as Freeview, is under serious threat of being scrapped. Within months the Government will decide whether to turn off terrestrial signals and rely solely on internet-based TV (IPTV) in the future. “This would mean that every household would be forced to take out an expensive fixed broadband contract if they wished to continue watching their favourite TV programmes. Radio reception and signals for emergency services could also be put at risk. Millions of older and disabled people, and those on low and modest incomes, would lose their essential access to TV to keep them in touch with the world and to prevent isolation and loneliness.”
Lynette, aged 80, who lives in Kent, said: “Free Terrestrial TV is essential for me – whether it’s for entertainment, the news or even learning new things from magazine shows. I don’t want to be choosing apps and making new accounts, I don’t want a screen that pops up with the TV trying to work out what I want to watch. I’ve tried watching television programmes online with family members, and they stop part way through with a whirling circle and then an error message appears. I tried a streaming service and didn’t like it. It is time-consuming and irritating trying to work out where I want to be, to remember the sequence of clicks, with hieroglyphics instead of words. If I make a mistake I have to start again. I have more important things to remember than clogging up my memory with unnecessary information.
“With my TV in my kitchen, and the normal channels through an aerial, I can leave a channel on that I know I like. I’m worried that the government will decide to take that away from me and others, who either don’t like, can’t afford or can’t use online versions”.
MPs recently held a debate on the issue, highlighting how popular Freeview is ‘under threat’ and called on the government to take action to protect it for 16 million households. Freeview is used in 16 million UK homes, making it the main TV platform for 40% of households with a TV and the largest TV service in the UK. The service is delivered through aerials.
In a debate at Westminster Hall MPs highlighted serious concerns over the future of the service. They said that the licences supporting terrestrial television end in 2034 and there has been no government pledge to continue them – meaning potentially television only available through the internet.
Tory David Mundell said: “Freeview is a universal service reaching 98.5% of the UK population, including those in remote and rural areas. It is available at no additional cost over and above the licence fee. This is a crucial point: people do not need to pay any additional monthly bills to watch terrestrial TV; all they need is a TV set and an aerial.
“The options for watching TV have broadened in the last few years, with the arrival of TV streaming over the internet, or IPTV, as it is known. Many of us enjoy those services, but the fact is that to do so, someone needs a high-speed fixed broadband subscription of sufficient speed and reliability, and not everyone has that.”
He explained his concerns over the licences: “Millions of people are relying exclusively on mobile for access to the internet. Indeed, data from Citizens Advice suggested that, in 2022 alone, up to 1 million people cancelled their broadband subscription because of the high cost of living.
“Despite being a widely used and, in my view, essential service, it is currently under threat of being switched off within a decade. The licences that support terrestrial TV expire in 2034, and the Government have so far not provided a long-term commitment. Yet there is no need to consider switching off terrestrial TV in the mid-2030s, be that for political, technological or financial reasons.”
Labour’s Richard Quigley said: “Three quarters of people say that terrestrial TV has helped to reduce loneliness, and among those aged 65 and over the figure rises to 87%. Additionally, I worry that any decision to switch off terrestrial TV could further exacerbate the cost of living crisis and deepen existing inequalities in our communities.”
In reply The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Stephanie Peacock said: “The way we watch TV is changing rapidly. Over the past decade, we have seen significant shifts in how content is delivered and consumed. Increasing numbers of viewers are moving to internet-based platforms, both for on demand content and, increasingly, for live programming.
“DTT is guaranteed until at least 2034. Before making any decisions, we will carefully consider the challenges for public service broadcasters and, importantly, the impact on loyal daily viewers, especially those who rely on digital terrestrial services.
“The cost of DTT to the PSBs is substantial. As fewer people rely on DTT, the cost per house is going up and will continue to do so. I am aware from my visits and meetings with providers that as part of the network reaches the end of life, investment would be needed to carry on even the current services.”
She acknowledged that there were ‘groups of people who are more likely to be digitally excluded’. She said they are often ‘older, living in rural areas, more likely to be on lower incomes living alone, or they may have a disability. Those are the people who rely most on television, not just for news and entertainment, but for connection and companionship.’
Ms Peacock did not guarantee terrestrial television would remain and said the government was working with broadcasters and other groups. She said: “We also know this is not an easy decision. The choices ahead are complex and must be guided by evidence, and that is why we are taking the time to get them right, drawing on data, research and the views of people across the sector and across the country.”
To view and back the petition click here.
