Some 75% of voters would view ending traditional terrestrial TVas a “betrayal”, and more than half say protecting it for an extended period would be important in deciding their vote
Scrapping terrestrial TV could spark a voter backlash to rival the outrage over losing the Winter Fuel Payment, a new poll warns.
Some 75% of voters would view ending traditional terrestrial TV as a “betrayal”, and more than half say a party’s stance on protecting it for an extended period would be important in deciding their vote. Free-to-air terrestrial broadcast TV is only secure until the early 2030s, when current licences expire.
The Broadcast 2040+ campaign, whose members include the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) and the Rural Services Network, is urging the Government to commit to a hybrid future for TV and radio services, ensuring continued universal access to terrestrial TV alongside internet streaming, so that no one is left-behind.
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Mega-polling of more than 25,000 people across 100 constituencies, commissioned by the campaign group, found 75% of the public view terrestrial TV as a universal service that should be protected in the longer-term.
Some 52% said it is important to ensure fairness with TV, on par with winter fuel payments (49%) and disability benefits (48%).
Even among people who stream TV through the internet, three-quarters see terrestrial TV as a part of the public safety net and should be protected.
The survey revealed opposition is also especially strong among rural voters, parents, people with disabilities and those on lower incomes.
And the campaign group warned that scrapping terrestrial TV could intensify Reform’s gains, particularly ahead of the 2026 elections in Scotland and Wales.
Dennis Reed, of silver voices, said: “There will be political uproar amongst older voters if they learn that Freeview is going to be switched off and they will have to buy an expensive fast broadband connection to continue watching their favourite programmes.
“Politicians would be wise to heed the lessons of the winter fuel payment fiasco, older voters and their families could destroy any Government rash enough to scrap the full Freeview service.
Labour MP for Rotherham Sarah Champion said: “Universal public services like terrestrial TV are crucial for millions of people across the UK.
“Not everyone can afford a monthly broadband connection and for millions of people in towns like Rotherham, terrestrial keeps them connected. This research makes clear that the public does not want to see it go any time soon. Ministers must reflect on that and give this service the certainty it needs.”
Tory MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and former Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “This research highlights the risks of rushing changes to public services that people rely on. In rural and remote areas, where broadband is often slow, costly, or unreliable, terrestrial TV is often the only way to access news, culture, and vital information.
“The UK Government can and should rule out a premature switch-off and guarantee terrestrial TV’s future into the 2040s.”
Members of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign include Age UK, the Digital Poverty Alliance, Silver Voices and the Rural Services Network.
A DCMS spokesman 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.
“This will include a decision, as soon as possible, on whether to further extend the current commitment to digital terrestrial television until at least 2034.”