Important Reminder! Have Your Say On Scrapping Freeview TV!
Ministers are consulting on whether to switch off Freeview by 2034, (and force every household to purchase fast broadband to continue watching TV), or to extend Freeview until 2044. Silver Voices is urging all signatories to this petition to email the Government and back the 2044 option. It is so important that as many people as possible respond to this consultation so that we can prove that public sentiment strongly supports the continuation of Freeview.
A 2034 switch-off would be too soon and too risky. Millions of people still rely on Freeview because it is simple, familiar, reliable and available without a monthly broadband bill. Older viewers, disabled people, low-income households and people without good broadband would be most at risk.
The email address for you to use is watchthisspace@dcms.gov.uk and below is a suggested response you can use. But please add your own words about why Freeview matters to you, as personal responses are much harder for the Government to ignore.
Dear DCMS,
Supporting the 2044 Option (Question 14)
I am responding to Question 14 of the Watch this Space Green Paper consultation.
I support extending Freeview/DTT to 2044 rather than switching it off in 2034. Freeview matters to me personally because [please add a sentence in your own words].
A 2034 switch-off would be too soon. Freeview remains essential for many people, especially older viewers, disabled people, low-income households and those without reliable or affordable broadband. It is simple, familiar and available without a monthly broadband bill.
Moving television fully online could mean new costs, new equipment, apps, passwords and reliance on broadband. Many people are not ready for that and should not be forced into it.
The Government should choose the 2044 option and make clear that no future switch-off should happen unless television remains genuinely universal, affordable, accessible and reliable for everyone.
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
[Your postcode]
We want to nip this foolhardy proposal in the bud, but we are up against the massed ranks of broadcasters, the big tech companies and corporate interests. Please add your voice to our campaign!
For your information the full Silver Voices submission on the consultation can be accessed on the following link:
Silver Voices can only continue to fight for the interests of older people, if over 60s join us in large numbers. So, if you are not already a member , please consider joining us today on the following link: