We call on broadcasters to reverse their retreat from linear television and recommit to the power of live, appointment viewing because British TV matters and mustn't become “just another streaming service.”

Here's why this matters:

1. Great TV brings us together. Television isn’t just entertainment, it’s one of the few shared experiences that unite us nationally. Moments like the climactic scenes of Line of Duty or heart-stopping finale reveals stay with us. Even more personal moments, like Rose Ayling-Ellis’ emotional “Symphony” performance on Strictly Come Dancing - become cultural touchstones. When everyone watches at the same time, it sparks conversation, community, and a true sense of belonging.
2. Streaming is fracturing our viewing habits. It’s increasingly the case that whole series are dropped online (on iPlayer or ITVX), with little focus on the broadcast channel. But this “binge-and-forget” model undermines the magic of a shared, collective viewing moment. Instead of using streaming to complement traditional channels, some broadcasters risk reducing their linear outlets to mere catch-up services.
3. Appointment television has a unique value. Linear scheduling creates “appointment to view” moments - a must-see event in the evening, a watercooler conversation the next day. These anchor programmes are vital. They not only draw in viewers, but lift the profile of the entire schedule, giving newer or riskier shows a chance to find an audience.
4. Promotional choices matter. When shows are advertised as “watch on BBC iPlayer” it subtly diminishes the role of the channel itself. Instead, we need promotion that highlights the communal act of watching together - “tune in at 9pm” rather than “watch when you like.”
5. Programming needs to be bold and mass-appealing. Innovation is important, but not at the cost of mass appeal. Broadcasters should allow new, distinctive ideas to grow - even if they start small - while still making room for shows that draw in large audiences. Shows that resonate broadly are still possible: they can be fresh, distinct, and meaningful - not just filler or niche content. 
6. A personal plea. As someone for whom television has been a lifelong passion, I follow viewing figures daily. It’s disheartening to see some linear channels fading, as though broadcasters are forgetting what makes them unique. I believe our shared channels still have the power to bring us together - but only if they’re given the care and respect they deserve.

The recent success of The Celebrity Traitors on BBC One proves that linear TV still has enormous pull - even among younger audiences.

The finale of the first celebrity series drew 11.1 million average viewers, peaking at 12 million, making it one of the biggest overnight audiences for the BBC in recent times. Its debut episode became the biggest unscripted title ever on BBC’s on-demand service, pulling 14.8 million views over 28 days.

Crucially, it reconnected with younger viewers: more than half of 16–24-year-olds watching in that timeslot tuned in live or on the same day on iPlayer, reversing a worrying trend of disengagement from appointment TV. 

This isn’t just a nostalgia trip - it’s evidence that communal viewing still works, and that a well-executed, talked-about show can draw mass audiences back to linear TV.

It is also a perfect example of linear and streaming working hand in hand.

What we are asking for:

1. Strategic scheduling. Protect “anchor” shows that draw big, live audiences; build schedules that support communal viewing - not just binge watching.
2. Smart promotion. Promote programmes in a way that emphasises communal engagement - “Be there at 9pm” - rather than treating the channel as secondary to streaming.
3. Audience growth. Focus on commissioning shows that can bring in younger viewers while still retaining broad appeal - as The Celebrity Traitors proves, these audiences exist.
4. Transparency & accountability. Broadcasters and regulators should be open about how much they value their linear audience, and set out a clear strategy for preserving it in future.

We, the undersigned, believe that British linear television still has a vital role to play in our cultural life. We urge you - the broadcasters, regulators, and policymakers - to protect, champion, and invest in what makes our channels special: live moments, shared experiences, and true national television.

If you agree, please sign this petition to stand up for British TV - not just as a relic of the past, but as a vibrant place where we can all come together.