The government has today published its long-awaited Green Paper on the future of media and broadcasting, setting out proposals that could lead to the closure of the Freeview television platform from 2034.
The accompanying consultation, which examines the future of television distribution in the UK, identifies two broad options for digital terrestrial television, the platform used by Freeview. The government clearly intends that this service will eventually be withdrawn, so that broadcasters can save costs and radio spectrum can be freed up for use with future mobile internet technologies. The question is, therefore, when this will occur.
The government states that 2034 is the date at which existing broadcasting licences expire, presenting this as a possible point for switching off digital terrestrial television. Its alternative suggestion is a time-limited extension of the service until 2044.
The eventual closure of Freeview will mean households would need a sufficiently fast and reliable broadband connection to access television services currently available free through an aerial. While the Green Paper recognises the importance of ensuring the transition leaves nobody behind, the Countryside Alliance remains concerned that a move to internet-only television by 2034 could disproportionately affect people living in rural areas and isolated dwellings, where broadband coverage and reliability can still be inconsistent. That may undermine the principle of universal access to public service broadcasting.
For many who live in the countryside, television remains an essential source of news, information and companionship, particularly for vulnerable and older residents, and those facing social isolation. Requiring households to pay for broadband simply to access services they currently receive free-to-air also involves significant extra costs.
To ensure that the voices of rural communities are heard, in March the Countryside Alliance launched a survey seeking the views of members and supporters on the future of Freeview. The response has already been considerable, with more than 1,000 people having taken part. The overwhelming majority of respondents so far believe that Freeview should be retained beyond 2034 and that no switch-off should take place until fast and reliable broadband is genuinely available to all.
The survey will remain open for a further short period, giving more people the opportunity to make their views known. Once it closes, the Countryside Alliance will analyse the findings and publish the results alongside its formal response to the government's consultation.
If you have not yet taken part, we encourage you to complete our survey. By doing so, you will help ensure that the experiences and concerns of people living in the countryside are properly represented in the decisions being made about the future of British television.
Take part in our survey here.