Over 150,000 individuals have voiced their support for safeguarding free-to-air terrestrial TV. Calls have been made for Andy Burnham to endorse this cause if he assumes the role of Prime Minister. Pressure mounts on government officials to ensure a mixed future for TV and radio services, guaranteeing ongoing access to traditional TV alongside online streaming to prevent exclusion.
The security of free-to-air terrestrial broadcast TV is at stake until the early 2030s when current licenses expire. A petition, initiated by the pensioners’ group Silver Voices, has surpassed 150,000 signatures this week, with backing 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, support the campaign. Silver Voices director Dennis Reed urged Andy Burnham to prioritize protecting Freeview TV, highlighting its significance to older and working-class communities.
Advocates emphasize the need for a hybrid model that allows viewers to choose between traditional and online TV services. Concerns have been raised about the consequences of transitioning to IPTV-only services, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income households.
Lynette, an 80-year-old from Kent, stressed the importance of terrestrial TV for maintaining independence and staying connected. She expressed worries about potential government actions that could limit access to traditional TV services.
Labour MPs emphasize the importance of preserving free-to-air terrestrial television into the 2040s to ensure accessibility and affordability for all. They underscore the need for a balanced approach that integrates IPTV without displacing the existing system.
The government is urged to consider the implications of a rapid shift to online platforms and to consult widely before making decisions on the future of TV distribution. Plans to achieve nationwide gigabit-capable broadband coverage by 2032 are in place, with public consultation on various options underway.