More than 150,000 individuals are advocating for the protection of free-to-air terrestrial television, with a call for Andy Burnham to support this cause if he assumes the role of Prime Minister. There is mounting pressure on government officials to ensure a mixed future for TV and radio services, guaranteeing ongoing access to terrestrial TV in addition to internet streaming to prevent exclusion.
The existing security of free-to-air terrestrial broadcast TV is set until the early 2030s, coinciding with the expiration of current licenses. A petition initiated by Silver Voices, a group representing pensioners, has garnered over 150,000 signatures this week, with support from the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Broadcast 2040+ Coalition.
Several Labour MPs, including Luke Akehurst, Polly Billington, Sarah Champion, Lorraine Beavers, and Jess Asato, are endorsing the campaign. In a message to Mr. Burnham, Silver Voices director Dennis Reed emphasized the significance of Freeview TV as a critical determinant of political alignment with the public.
Advocates argue that transitioning to IPTV-only services would impose challenges on viewers, especially older individuals, those with disabilities, and low-income households, who may face affordability and accessibility issues. The hybrid model is being promoted to allow viewers to choose their preferred method of television access while ensuring reliability during emergencies or connectivity problems.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential implications on radio broadcasting and emergency service communications, which rely on similar infrastructure. Labour MP Mr. Akehurst underscored the public’s opposition to a swift termination of free-to-air terrestrial TV, emphasizing the importance of choice and the government’s obligation to safeguard terrestrial TV well beyond 2034.
Echoing these sentiments, Labour MP Ms. Asato highlighted the widespread reliance on terrestrial TV for daily life in numerous households, particularly for older individuals, families on tight budgets, and those in areas with poor connectivity. The call is for regulatory certainty and assurance of terrestrial TV availability well into the 2040s to alleviate concerns among viewers.
The government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) expressed commitment to inclusivity in TV viewing as online platforms continue to grow. A long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK is being pursued, with a pending decision on extending the commitment to digital terrestrial television beyond 2034.
Efforts are underway to achieve nationwide gigabit-capable broadband coverage by 2032, with public consultations on various options preceding final decisions.
