Freeview (Image: Freeview)
Keir Starmer is facing a mounting backlash if the government scraps Freeview TV. Campaigners will take their fight to the door of No 10, urging the Prime Minister to maintain traditional terrestrial services until the 2040s.
It comes as ministers are poised to decide whether to turn off terrestrial signals and force viewers to rely on internet-based TV. The rise of YouTube has challenged all traditional broadcasters, as more people across all age groups use the digital platform.
Keir Starmer (Image: PRU/AFP via Getty Images)
YouTube became the UK’s second most-watched media service last year, behind the BBC.
This has been accompanied by the rise of short-form video, which has also contributed to a transformation in media consumption.
New BBC director general Matt Brittin has not yet indicated whether he wants the government to press ahead with axing traditional broadcasts.
According to a poll commissioned by the Broadcast 2040+ Coalition, 48% of people would oppose paying the licence fee if BBC content was only available online.
Dennis Reed, director of campaigners Silver Voices, said: “The BBC risks a catastrophic collapse in licence fee income if it persists in lobbying the Government to scrap free-to-air TV (Freeview).
“If the Government agrees to this approach, in a decision expected soon, every household in the UK would be required to pay for an expensive broadband contract to continue watching their favourite programmes.
“Such a cruel move, at a time of cost of living pressures, would be a hammer blow for low income families and pensioners.”
Silver Voices has already promised to encourage a non-payment campaign if Freeview is scrapped.
Dennis Reed (Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)
Mr Reed is demanding that Sir Keir Starmer guarantee the future of Freeview until at least the 2040s, when broadband TV may be more reliable and affordable.
“If the wrong decision is taken, this could become a big issue at the next General Election,” he added.
Lynette Nightingale, 80, of Kent, said terrestrial TV is essential for her.
“I’m worried that the government will decide to take that away from me and others, who either don’t like it, can’t afford it or can’t use online versions,” she said.
The petition, signed by more than 140,000 people, is supported by parliamentarians across the political spectrum as well as the Broadcast Coalition and the Digital Poverty Alliance.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: “We are committed to ensuring that no-one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves to online platforms.
“That is why the government is currently working across the TV sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK. This will include a decision, as soon as possible, on whether to extend the current commitment to digital terrestrial television beyond 2034.”