More than 150,000 voters demand free-to-air TV be protected amid internet costs warning

More than 150,000 voters demand free-to-air TV be protected amid internet costs warning EXCLUSIVE: More than 150,000 people have demanded free-to-air terrestrial TV be protected, while Andy Burnham faces calls to throw his weight behind it if he becomes PM More than 150,000 people have demanded free-to-air terrestrial TV be protected, while Andy Burnham faces calls to throw his weight behind it if he becomes PM. Ministers are under pressure 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. Free-to-air terrestrial broadcast TV is only secure until the early 2030s, when current licences expire. A petition calling for licences to be protected, which was launched by pensioners’ group Silver Voices, has this week hit the landmark 150,000 signatories mark. It is supported by the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Broadcast 2040+ Coalition. Backing the campaign are several Labour MPs such as Luke Akehurst, Polly Billington, Sarah Champion, Lorraine Beavers and Jess Asato. In a letter to Mr Burnham - who is expected to try to replace Keir Starmer if he is re-elected as an MP in the Makerfield by-election on Thursday - Silver Voices director Dennis Reed warned access to Freeview TV “is exactly the kind of issue that determines whose side people think a party is on”. He argues that "protecting Freeview into the 2040s should be part of Labour’s promise to listen again to older people and working-class communities". He wrote: "If you are successful in Makerfield, I hope you will use your platform, and any future role you attain in government, to protect the free-to-air television services millions still rely on.” A move to IPTV-only services would require all viewers to rely on fixed broadband, raising affordability and accessibility concerns, particularly for older people, those with disabilities, and low-income households. Lynette, 80, from Kent, highlighted the importance of traditional TV services in maintaining independence and connection. She said: “Free terrestrial TV is essential for me – whether it’s for entertainment, the news or even learning new things. I don’t want to navigate apps or deal with streaming errors. With my TV, I can simply turn it on and watch what I enjoy. I’m worried that the Government will take that away from people like me.” Campaigners argue that while IPTV offers benefits, it should complement, not replace, the current system. They are calling for a continued hybrid model, allowing viewers to choose how they access television while ensuring a reliable backup during emergencies or connectivity issues. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on radio broadcasting and emergency service communications, which rely on similar infrastructure. Labour MP Mr Akehurst: “This is a clear message to ministers: the public do not want a rushed switch-off of free-to-air terrestrial television. Streaming has a growing role to play, but choice matters, and we shouldn’t be forcing every household onto a broadband contract before they can access basic public service broadcasting. The Government now has the opportunity to show it is listening by protecting terrestrial TV into the 2040s, particularly when there are credible plans on the table." And Labour MP Ms Asato added: “More than 150,000 people have now backed the petition because they know terrestrial tv is part of daily life in millions of homes. For many of our older constituents, families on tight budgets and people in areas with poor connectivity, the TV aerial is still the simplest, cheapest and most reliable way to stay connected to the news and live sport like the World Cup. "We shouldn’t leave them facing another bill just to keep watching the television they already have. The Green Paper should give viewers certainty and guarantee terrestrial TV well beyond 2034." 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 across the TV sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK. This will include a decision, as soon as possible, on whether to extend the current commitment to digital terrestrial television beyond 2034." The government is committed to achieving nationwide gigabit-capable broadband coverage by 2032 and will consult publicly on a range of options prior to a final decision being taken.