A recent poll suggests that eliminating traditional terrestrial TV could lead to a significant backlash from voters similar to the uproar caused by the potential loss of the Winter Fuel Payment. The survey revealed that 75% of voters would perceive the discontinuation of terrestrial TV as a form of betrayal, with over half indicating that a political party’s commitment to safeguarding this service would influence their voting decision. The campaign group Broadcast 2040+ is advocating for a hybrid approach to TV and radio services, advocating for the maintenance of universal access to terrestrial TV alongside internet streaming to prevent anyone from being left behind.
The poll, conducted across 100 constituencies with over 25,000 participants, demonstrated that the majority of the public view terrestrial TV as an essential service that should be preserved in the long term. Additionally, findings showed that fairness in TV access is considered important by 52% of respondents, on par with the significance of winter fuel payments and disability benefits.
Interestingly, even among individuals who utilize internet streaming for TV content, three-quarters still regard terrestrial TV as a crucial component of the public safety net that should be safeguarded. The survey also highlighted strong opposition among rural voters, parents, people with disabilities, and those with lower incomes.
Warning of potential electoral gains for Reform parties, especially in Scotland and Wales, the campaign group emphasized the potential ramifications of scrapping terrestrial TV. Dennis Reed from Silver Voices expressed concerns about potential political repercussions among older voters if Freeview were to be phased out, emphasizing the importance of heeding the lessons from past controversies like the winter fuel payment issue.
Echoing these sentiments, Labour MP Sarah Champion stressed the importance of universal public services like terrestrial TV for millions of people across the UK, particularly underscoring the connectivity it provides for those who cannot afford monthly broadband subscriptions. On the other hand, Tory MP David Mundell emphasized the risks associated with hasty changes to essential public services, particularly in rural areas where terrestrial TV serves as a primary source of news and information due to unreliable broadband access.
In response to these concerns, the UK Government is collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop a sustainable approach to TV distribution. A decision on extending the commitment to digital terrestrial television until at least 2034 is expected in the near future.
Notable members of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign include Age UK, the Digital Poverty Alliance, Silver Voices, and the Rural Services Network. A spokesperson from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity as TV consumption transitions to online platforms, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure a long-term strategy for TV distribution in the UK.
