A petition to save Freeview has surged to nearly 100,000 signatures, as public concern mounts over proposals to transition entirely to internet-delivered television by the 2030s. This grassroots movement responds directly to research from Sky, which advocates for the UK Government to discontinue traditional terrestrial broadcasting and embrace a complete shift to Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) within the next decade.
Sky's Vision for a Digital Future
Sky's Chief Operating Officer has championed the move to internet-only TV, arguing that it could yield savings of hundreds of millions of pounds currently allocated to maintaining outdated broadcast systems. He contends that with strategic government investment in affordable and widespread connectivity, this transition could actually help bridge the digital divide, rather than exacerbating existing social inequalities.
Political and Public Backlash
However, this vision faces significant opposition from political figures and advocacy groups. Conservative MP David Mundell has emphasised that Freeview serves as a critical universal service, reaching an impressive 98.5 per cent of the UK population. He warns that many rural and low-income households lack access to the high-speed broadband necessary for reliable internet streaming, potentially leaving them disconnected.
Labour's Richard Quigley has highlighted the social importance of terrestrial TV, noting that 87 per cent of over-65s report it helps reduce feelings of loneliness. Removing this free-to-air service could disproportionately affect older individuals and those living alone, who heavily rely on digital terrestrial television for companionship and information.
The Looming Deadline and Economic Concerns
With current terrestrial television licences set to expire in 2034, the government has not yet committed to their renewal. Critics argue that forcing households onto paid broadband subscriptions could worsen the ongoing cost of living crisis, placing additional financial strain on vulnerable groups.
The government has acknowledged the shifting viewing habits but stresses that any decision must carefully consider the impact on digitally excluded communities. Ministers are currently collaborating with broadcasters to assess the substantial costs of maintaining the existing network against the needs of loyal viewers, ensuring a balanced approach to this potential technological overhaul.
