The UK government has confirmed that Freeview television services could be switched off as early as 2034, potentially leaving millions of households without internet access unable to watch television. The proposal is outlined in a government Green Paper on the future of TV broadcasting, which also considers delaying the switch-off until 2044 but identifies 2034 as the most likely date.
Campaigners Furious Over Timing
The announcement has sparked outrage among campaigners, who accuse the outgoing government of attempting to bind a future administration led by Sir Keir Starmer's successor, Andy Burnham, to an unpopular decision. Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, described the move as 'outrageous' and urged Burnham to scrap the proposal if he becomes prime minister.
Reed said: 'It is outrageous that a document of this importance is being slipped out under cover of the Starmer resignation. I privately pleaded with civil servants that taking such an underhand step was inappropriate, but they ignored me. The outgoing Government is obviously seeking to bind Andy Burnham's team to what will become the last big political blunder of the Starmer era.'
He added: 'To deprive many millions of older households of the option of viewing their favourite TV programmes without having to pay for an expensive broadband contract will be a political disaster if it is rubber-stamped by Burnham. It could even become his winter fuel moment. And as Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, one of Burnham's big supporters, should be ashamed to put her name to the shoddy manoeuvre of releasing the Green Paper at this stage.'
Government's Digital Transition Plan
Ministers have already backed plans to end digital terrestrial broadcasts such as Freeview, transitioning the entire country to television delivered via the internet. Culture minister Ian Murray said: 'We don't want anyone to be left behind.' He argued that connecting remaining households without internet access would also enable them to use a wide range of other services, from healthcare to banking.
The Green Paper consultation will decide the exact switch-off date. The government aims to ensure every household has access to high-speed broadband for watching TV, but critics warn that millions of older people, in particular, could be left without a vital service.
Other Proposals in the Green Paper
The Green Paper also includes proposals to ensure major sporting events and national events remain free on 'on demand' services if they are already guaranteed to be free when broadcast live. Additionally, social media companies such as YouTube would be asked to give greater prominence to trusted news sources, with the threat of legislation if they fail to do so voluntarily. This could mean trusted news sources appearing at the top of feeds or in search results, including TV news broadcasters, newspapers producing video, or dedicated YouTube channels.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'It is vital that we make sure that people have better access to trusted and accurate news and that our regulated public service media is seen and heard in the fierce battle against mis and disinformation. As the media landscape moves further and further online away from traditional broadcasting, we must act so that our world-leading TV sector continues to thrive and top-quality UK content keeps being produced.'
She added: 'TV remains at the heart of our society. It is key to supporting social cohesion and is a cornerstone of our democracy, which is why, as the technology underpinning it changes, we are making sure it is protected for generations to come.'
Charity Welcomes Commitment but Warns of Digital Divide
Vicki Sellick, chief executive of the Good Things Foundation, welcomed the government's commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. She said: 'If TV distribution moves solely online, then every home will need affordable, reliable internet access. Done well, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect the millions of households in the UK who are either not online or digitally confident, and give them the skills to navigate the digital world.'
Sellick added: 'With the right package of training and support from trusted local providers, millions could access healthcare, banking and essential public services alongside their favourite TV shows. Nobody must be left behind in any transition. We look forward to responding to the Government's consultation with tried and tested solutions from our 4,000-plus partners around the UK on how to make this happen.'
