Nearly 100,000 people have signed a petition to protect Freeview from being switched off, amid fears that traditional television services could be axed in the 2030s. The Change.org petition gained momentum after Sky published research urging the government to move fully to internet-delivered TV.
Sky's Group Chief Operating Officer Nick Herm argued that a full move to internet-delivered TV by the 2030s is achievable and could help close the digital divide. However, critics say this would force households to take out expensive broadband contracts and could leave millions of older, disabled, and low-income people without access to television.
Lynette, an 80-year-old from Kent, said terrestrial TV is essential for her, adding that she finds streaming services time-consuming and difficult to use. The petition warns that radio reception and emergency services signals could also be at risk.
The issue was highlighted in a parliamentary debate where MPs stressed that Freeview reaches 16 million homes and is used by 40% of households with a TV. Tory MP David Mundell noted that Freeview is a universal service reaching 98.5% of the population at no additional cost beyond the licence fee.
The licences supporting terrestrial television are due to lapse in 2034, and the government has yet to pledge renewal. MPs are calling on ministers to protect Freeview for the millions who depend on it.
