Freeview Switch-Off Fears Intensify as Government Issues New Response
Concern is mounting that Freeview could be switched off within the next decade, as the government provides an update on the future of terrestrial television services. A petition on Change.Org has garnered more than 110,000 signatures in recent weeks, reflecting widespread public anxiety over the potential move to internet-only TV by 2034.
Government Minister Addresses Freeview's Future
In a fresh intervention, independent MP Dan Norris questioned Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, about the impact of turning off Freeview on areas with poor broadband connectivity. He also enquired about steps her department is taking to ensure the Freeview TV distribution system remains available to all.
Ian Murray, Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, revealed that officials are currently examining the future of digital terrestrial television. He stated: "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 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."
Petition Highlights Vulnerable Households at Risk
The petition explains that terrestrial television, received through an aerial and 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 in the future. This would force every household to take out an expensive fixed broadband contract 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 essential access to TV, potentially increasing 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."
She added: "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."
MPs Express Concerns in Parliamentary Debate
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.
During a Westminster Hall debate, MPs expressed serious concerns about the service's future. They 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."
He continued: "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."
Government Acknowledges Rapid Changes in TV Consumption
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 added: "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 continues to gather signatures, underscoring the deep public concern over the potential loss of Freeview and the implications for digital inclusion across the UK.
