Campaigners demand rethink over plan to switch off television broadcasts in 2034

Campaigners are demanding the Government scrap plans to switch off traditional television broadcasts amid fears millions of people will be unable to watch their favourite shows.The Government is considering ending television received through an aerial after 2034, with viewers expected to use an internet service to watch shows instead.

And there are fears traditional television will be a casualty of a bitter Cabinet feud between the Prime Minister and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, following reports she will be axed from Sir Keir Starmer’s top team in a forthcoming reshuffle - with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) set to be abolished.

It would mean the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology takes responsibility for TV services, which campaigners say will encourage a switch to the internet. They warn people in rural areas without fast broadband services, and elderly people who do not use the internet, will be left without any service.

Dennis Reed, Director of campaigners Silver Voices, said: “We would be extremely worried if DCMS goes, because the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is going to be far more gung-ho about saying everything should be done over the internet.

“There are millions of people who either can’t afford broadband or don’t want it, and they are going to be left without TV entirely.”

Current legislation means terrestrial TV is safe until 2034 but the Government is holding a consultation about whether to end it after that and switch entirely to what is known as Internet Protocol (IP) television. The BBC is encouraging Ministers to press ahead with the change and Director General Tim Davie said earlier this month: “We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success.”

Some sources have claimed Ms Nandy faces the sack because she does not work hard enough. However Labour insiders say Sir Keir has a vendetta against Ms Nandy after she accused him of failing to fight anti-semitism within Labour when Jeremy Corbyn was leader. The Shadow Culture Secretary before last year’s general election was Thangam Debbonaire, an ex-Labour MP who was defeated by the Green candidate, forcing Sir Keir to find a replacement for the Cabinet job.

Elizabeth Anderson chief executive of the Digital Poverty Alliance said: “We have done important work in recent months with the DCMS to help them understand the reliance that those in digital poverty have on terrestrial TV - and that they will continue to do so for many years to come. These low income families must not be forgotten in Whitehall when the next reshuffle happens. The focus must remain on TV as a public service, rather than focusing on profit before people.”

MP Richard Holden said: “Not content with slashing their winter fuel allowance, Sir Keir Starmer and his out-of-touch government now want to scrap traditional TV for millions of older people.”

Fewer than half of households in some rural areas have access to high speed internet services, said Plaid Cymru DCMS spokesperson, Ann Davies. She said: “As discussions about the future of government departments continue, it’s vital that the importance of broadcast television is not forgotten.

“In my constituency of Caerfyrddin, only 41.9% of households have access to gigabit broadband, well below the UK average, and 2.6% have very limited connectivity.”

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network said: “As the government considers potential departmental changes, it is essential that the future of terrestrial TV is not side lined, particularly for people living in market towns, villages and remote communities.

“In areas where fast broadband and reliable mobile coverage can’t be taken for granted, terrestrial TV is not a luxury - it’s a lifeline. The needs of those living in small towns, villages, outlying areas, and rural communities must be recognised.”

A DCMS spokesperson 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 with the TV industry and other key players in the sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK for years to come. No decision has yet been made, but we will need to consider whether to extend the current commitment to keep Freeview on air past 2034.”