Concern is rising that hundreds of thousands could be hit if the service ‘moves fully to internet-delivered TV’
A government minister has provided an update on Freeview’s future as a campaign has gathered momentum amid concerns that terrestrial television services could be ‘switched off’.
A petition on Change.Org has attracted more than 110,000 signatures in recent weeks, reflecting strong public sentiment on the issue. This comes after Sky published research urging the government to end traditional broadcasting and ‘move fully to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s’.
In a fresh intervention, independent MP Dan Norris questioned Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, about: “The potential effect of turning off Freeview on areas with poor broadband connectivity.”
He also enquired: “what steps her Department is taking to ensure the Freeview TV distribution system remains available to all.”
Freeview is actively under consideration for closure in the UK, with a possible switch-off by 2034 as the government explores moving to internet-only TV. Whilst 94% of UK households have internet access, this transition risks leaving hundreds of thousands of often vulnerable households without TV, sparking demands for support.
In response, Ian Murray, Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, revealed that officials are currently examining the future of digital terrestrial television. He said: “Digital inclusion and ensuring that all households across the country have access to high-quality, reliable broadband is a priority for the Government. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to ensure that all aspects of digital inclusion are considered as part of any decisions we make on the future of digital terrestrial television.”
He continued: “The Department is leading a project to assess the future of TV distribution and we are committed to maintaining access for all. Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is protected until at least 2034, safeguarding access for millions of households. Before any decision is made close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, especially those who rely on DTT as their primary means of watching television.”
The petition, which is available to view here, explained: “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, an 80 year old from 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.” She added: “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”. The issue was recently highlighted during a parliamentary debate, where MPs stressed that the popular Freeview platform faces an uncertain future, calling on ministers to protect it for the 16 million households depending on it.
Freeview reaches 16 million homes throughout the UK, making it the principal television platform for 40% of households with a TV and the country’s biggest television service. The platform works through conventional aerials. During a Westminster Hall debate, MPs expressed serious concerns about the service’s future.
hey pointed out that the licences supporting terrestrial television are due to expire in 2034, with no government pledge yet secured to extend them, which could result in television being available only through internet connections.Conservative MP 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. ” In response, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Stephanie Peacock acknowledged: “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.
“She continued: “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 petition can be accessed and signed here.
