COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Research underlines importance of a universal free-to-air TV service for some groups of society



The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) – a UK-based charity dedicated to addressing the digital divide and combating digital exclusion across vulnerable communities – is calling on the government to give long-term protection to the UK’s free-to-air terrestrial TV service, as new research finds strong support (73%) for retaining it and low awareness that its future is under threat.

Ministers are currently examining the future of TV distribution ahead of a decision on whether to continue Freeview.

Produced in collaboration with academics working in the fields of community cohesion and global digital politics, the report reveals terrestrial TV’s universal coverage and free-to-air transmission – which allow all households to watch TV without the need for high speed broadband or monthly subscriptions – are crucial to the UK’s social resilience.

The report defines the UK’s ‘social resilience’ as the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt, endure and recover from adversity, while fostering positive relationships and maintaining cohesion. The report finds that terrestrial TV is one of our last truly universal services as defined by the ability for all audiences in the UK, regardless of economic means or social background, to access a broad range of content – without the challenges of paying for broadband and digital skills.

The research found 90% of the public “agree that terrestrial TV is valuable for ensuring that those who cannot afford these expensive monthly bills have universal access to information and entertainment”. Even those who do not currently rely on terrestrial TV to stay connected value it, with 70% feeling reassured that it is available as a fallback option.

Of those who live in rental accommodation and watch terrestrial TV, more than one in three (34%) would feel isolated. Meanwhile, more than one in four (27%) would feel disconnected if they lost access to terrestrial TV. The charity says free-to-air terrestrial TV is a valued lifeline for those forced to make difficult choices about how to allocate their resources.

Other findings include:

• 90% value terrestrial TV for ensuring people who cannot afford expensive monthly bills have universal access to information and entertainment
  
• 75% agree that terrestrial TV helps reduce loneliness
  
• 73% believe that terrestrial TV should be protected well beyond 2035
  
• 85% say that terrestrial TV is important to help understand history and traditions
  
• 70% of the public feel reassured knowing that terrestrial TV is there as a backup
  
• More than 2/3 of people (69% are unaware that terrestrial TV is under threat