In the ongoing debate over the future of television in the UK, a critical error has been highlighted by industry analysts: the tendency to conflate the mere technical availability of broadband services capable of delivering TV with the genuine behaviours and preferences of consumers. This misstep risks skewing policy discussions and could lead to premature decisions affecting millions of households.
The Freeview Debate: A Clash of Perspectives
Recent letters to the editor have brought to light divergent views on proposals to potentially switch off digital terrestrial television, commonly known as Freeview, by 2034. Christy Swords, a consultant for Arqiva—the private monopoly that owns the masts and transmitters powering Freeview—argues for retaining the terrestrial network into the 2040s, claiming it poses "zero risk" for reliant households. However, critics counter that this stance is influenced by vested interests and could result in a two-tier system, leaving vulnerable homes with an inferior service featuring fewer channels and basic functionality.
The Case for Internet-Delivered TV
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, asserts that TV delivered online offers a more consumer-friendly and accessible future. He points out that such services can provide enhanced features like voice control, which have been shown to improve accessibility for older or disabled audiences. Research indicates that 93% of older viewers find internet-delivered TV features useful, with this figure rising to 99% among those aged 70 and above. Thompson emphasises that while broadband access and affordability issues need addressing, by 2032, reliable broadband coverage is projected to surpass Freeview's reach, with around 95% of homes already paying for internet services.
Helen Milner, chief executive of the Good Things Foundation, echoes this sentiment, viewing the transition as an opportunity to close the digital divide. She notes that with proper planning and funding, a switch to internet-delivered TV could drive broader societal benefits, including improved engagement with online health and government services. Currently, 8 million people lack basic internet skills, and over 1 million households cannot afford broadband, but Milner believes the proposed 2034 timeline allows time to remedy these gaps through strategic leadership and community support.
Concerns Over Premature Closure
On the other side of the argument, Mathew Horsman, former managing director of Mediatique, warns against rushing toward a Freeview switch-off. He projects that more than 5 million households will still rely on digital terrestrial TV as their primary means of watching linear TV in 2034, with this cohort likely being older and poorer than average. Horsman criticises the assumption that switching to internet protocol television (IPTV) is akin to the previous analogue-to-digital transition, noting key differences: IPTV requires ongoing costs for broadband, whereas Freeview remains free after initial setup. He stresses that consumer preferences and equity concerns must be central to any policy debate, advocating for a later switch-off to minimise disbenefits.
Broader Implications for a Digital Society
The discussion extends beyond television to encompass the UK's journey toward a fully inclusive digital society. All parties agree that no one should be left behind in terms of connectivity, usability, and affordability. However, there is disagreement on how best to achieve this. Extending Freeview into the 2040s is seen by some as benefiting infrastructure providers rather than viewers, while others argue it provides a safety net for vulnerable populations. The need for a fact-based, rather than interest-driven, policy debate is emphasised, with calls for government leadership and broadcaster involvement in raising awareness, similar to efforts during the 2008-2012 digital switchover.
Ultimately, the future of TV in the UK hinges on balancing technological advancement with real-world consumer habits. As analysts caution, equating availability with adoption overlooks the nuanced preferences of millions, making it imperative to approach any transition with careful planning and consideration for all stakeholders.
