EXCLUSIVE: The Broadcast 2040+ campaign is urging the public to respond and tell the Government not to switch off Freeview, with the DCMS consultation Watch this Space ending on August 31
Campaigners have warned there is one week to save “free” TV as the Government weighs up axing Freeview.
Ministers are currently consulting on switching off the free service watched through an ordinary aerial from as early as 2034.
They are now being urged to keep it running until 2044, which would give elderly and rural viewers more time to make the transition.
The Broadcast 2040+ campaign is urging the public to respond and tell the Government not to switch off Freeview, with the DCMS consultation Watch this Space, published by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, ending on August 31.
Backing the campaign, Labour MP Luke Akehurst, said: “With credible alternative plans on the table, many Labour MPs like me are urging the Government to reject the unpopular and rushed 2034 television switch-off”.
Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde added: “Switching off Freeview in 2034 would be an act of extraordinary cruelty towards some of the most vulnerable people in society. Millions could be forced to pay for broadband, replace perfectly good televisions or risk losing access altogether.
“This is not progress, it is imposing new costs which will hit older people, disabled people and families on the lowest incomes hardest, and the Government should rule it out.”
It comes with a petition to protect free-to-air terrestrial TV sitting on 159,000 signatures.
Polling commissioned by Broadcast 2040+ found that 69% of people had heard little or nothing about the potential switch-off.
Nearly two-thirds, 62%, said that making television available only online would restrict access to those with the money, confidence and internet connection required.
A spokesperson at Broadcast 2040+ said: “Millions could be forced to pay more, buy new equipment or risk losing access to television altogether if Freeview is switched off in 2034.
“It is universal, reliable and free at the point of use, and should be protected until every household has an alternative that is just as affordable and accessible.
“People now have one week to save Freeview and we are urging everyone who values free-to-air television to respond before 31 August and tell the Government to protect it until at least 2044.”
Responding, a government spokesperson said: “The government believes there is a strong case for a long-term transition to IPTV, but no decisions have been made. The purpose of the Media Green Paper is to gather views from across the sector and the public before any final decisions are taken.
“We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves online. Any future transition would only proceed once we are confident the right safeguards, infrastructure and support are in place so that everyone can continue to access television affordably and with confidence.”