A recent poll suggests that eliminating traditional free-to-air TV could lead to a significant backlash from voters, similar to the uproar caused by potential cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment. The survey found that 75% of respondents would consider it a betrayal if terrestrial TV were to be discontinued, with over half indicating that a political party’s stance on safeguarding this service would influence their voting decision.
The Broadcast 2040+ campaign, supported by organizations like the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Rural Services Network, is advocating for a hybrid approach to future TV and radio services. They are urging the government to ensure ongoing access to terrestrial TV alongside internet streaming to prevent anyone from being left without this essential service.
A comprehensive poll conducted across 100 constituencies involving more than 25,000 individuals revealed that the majority of the public sees terrestrial TV as a fundamental service that should be preserved in the long term. Interestingly, 52% of respondents believe that fairness in TV provision is as crucial as issues like winter fuel payments and disability benefits.
Even among those who utilize internet streaming services, three-quarters still value terrestrial TV as an integral part of the public safety net that should be protected. The survey also highlighted strong opposition from rural voters, parents, individuals with disabilities, and those with lower incomes.
Concerns were raised that discontinuing terrestrial TV could lead to increased support for Reform, especially before the 2026 elections in Scotland and Wales. Dennis Reed from Silver Voices warned of potential political turmoil among older voters if Freeview were to be phased out, emphasizing the importance of listening to the public’s preferences to avoid any government backlash.
Political figures like Labour MP Sarah Champion and Tory MP David Mundell emphasized the significance of maintaining universal public services such as terrestrial TV, particularly in areas where internet access is limited. They stressed the need for certainty in preserving this service well into the 2040s to ensure that no one is left behind.
Key members of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign, including Age UK, Silver Voices, and the Rural Services Network, are actively advocating for the protection of terrestrial TV. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) emphasized their commitment to inclusivity in TV viewing as online platforms become more prevalent, hinting at a potential extension of the current commitment to digital terrestrial television until at least 2034.