BBC and Keir Starmer given ultimatum over plans to switch-off traditio | Politics | News

Keir Starmer will face a growing backlash if the government cancels Freeview TV. Campaigners will take their fight to Gate 10 and call on the Prime Minister to maintain traditional terrestrial services until the 2040s.

It comes as ministers are set to decide whether to switch off terrestrial signals and force viewers to rely on internet-based TV. The rise of YouTube has challenged all traditional broadcasters as more people of all age groups use the digital platform.

YouTube was the UK’s second most watched media service last year, after the BBC.

This is accompanied by the rise of short-format video, which is contributing to the transformation in media consumption.

The BBC’s new director general, Matt Brittin, has not yet said whether he wants the government to move forward with stopping traditional broadcasting.

According to a survey commissioned by the Broadcast 2040+ Coalition, 48% of people would oppose paying the license fee if BBC content was only available online.

Dennis Reed, director of campaigners Silver Voices, said: “The BBC risks a catastrophic collapse in license fee revenues if it continues to lobby the government to abolish free-to-air TV (Freeview).

“If the government adopts this approach, every household in the UK will have to pay an expensive broadband contract to continue watching their favorite programmes, in a decision expected soon.

“Such a draconian move at a time of cost-of-living pressures would be a huge blow to low-income families and retirees.”

Silver Voices has promised to promote a payment-free campaign if Freeview is cancelled.

Mr Reed is demanding Sir Keir Starmer guarantee Freeview’s future until at least the 2040s, when broadband TV may be more reliable and affordable.

“If the wrong decision is made, this could become a big problem in the next general election,” he added.

Lynette Nightingale, 80, from Kent, said terrestrial TV was very important to her.

“I worry that the government will decide to take it away from me and others who don’t like it, can’t afford it, or can’t use the online versions,” he said.

petitionThe document, 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 determined to ensure no one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves to online platforms.

“The government is therefore 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 the current commitment to digital terrestrial television will be extended beyond 2034.”