UK Government Faces Backlash Over Plans to Switch Off Terrestrial TV

A major debate is unfolding over the future of the UK's media landscape as the Government outlines plans to switch off the terrestrial TV network between:- 2034 and 2035. The move is being driven by the BBC and commercial broadcasters seeking a transition to internet only streaming to cut costs. While statutory provision for the current network lasts until 2034, experts warn that the transition risks leaving millions of citizens without service.

Resistance to the plan is growing, with many calling for a delay until at least 2040. The social impact is compounded by the national security concerns. Critics point out that in an emergency, a total reliance on internet only systems are critically flawed. Unlike internet networks, which are susceptible to crashes and cyber-attacks, traditional TV and radio services are much harder to knock out during a crisis. In the event of a cyber-attack or a major network failure, if we are only able to get news online, we have no backup way to receive emergency instructions if the terrestrial:- "safety net" is gone.

Furthermore, it is incredibly difficult to use traditional broadcast systems to spread fake news. This stands in stark contrast to the aftermath of the Southport stabbings, where fake news reports and misinformation were spread as fact by foreign media and social media platforms.

Adding weight to these concerns is Patrick Trollope, our Editor says:- "It might be odd for someone who set up 1 of the 1st UK internet only regulated newspaper publications that has also had an online radio to question this move, but I am extremely worried."

Patrick warns that by switching off terrestrial signals, the UK would be removing a primary method for children to access verified facts and experience British culture. He noted that US television, films, and social media are already having a major, often negative, effect on British society. In a recent interview he argued that the move is a mistake, adding:- "With so much political unrest within the world, removing terrestrial TV and possibly radio is a national security risk, We need this type of system more than ever. It's also especially important when it comes to youngsters under the age of 16. If the UK Government bans Under 16's from social media; as is currently being discussed in Parliament; is letting children watch unregulated TV content from all over the world a good idea? For example, no 9 pm water shed... Children will not be able to be left to watch the content like they can on UK TV. With news, it opens the door even more to fake news. Social media issues are only the tip of the iceberg. At least adverts on TV and on radio are checked... You don't get fake adverts on TV selling scam products, like you often see on sites like:- YouTube. Plus, advertising laws in other countries, like the in the US allow very misleading adverts to put on programs... Within the UK, TV and Radio currently has very strong guidelines and rules from advertising to content; the internet effectively doesn't. We can't enforce rules on sites outside the UK, but this Government and previous Governments don't understand this. Then you also have AI issues... And the list goes on... Plus, most of the UK internet systems run on US and other nations systems... That is also a major securely issue if we want to protect against fake news and protect our culture... We need our own systems and protections in place, but that is very hard to do online, unless we go like China. We need our TV and radio to remain on air more than ever. Sadly, if we don't wake up, we might as well forget BRXIT, as we will be run by whoever has the best search results. We are talking about preventing issues and promoting British culture, yet we are pushing kids and young adults increasingly online, exposing them to more non-British values. We are removing the checks and balances for short gain savings. If an internet-based news outlet can see the danger, why can't the UK Government? We need to stop and think before it's too late."

Plus, we must remember that US firms have a dominant grip on how we consume entertainment and online news, but less so on traditional terrestrial broadcasting. We risk losing all control to them if UK Freeview is shut off...

The UK Government recently tightened rules to prevent foreign states from owning significant stakes in British news assets, but why did they bother if is going to be handed to foreign firms on a plate, in the near future? Already, online streaming Dominance: US giants like:- Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ account for approximately 75% of all UK video-on-demand subscriptions. This is already extremely dangerous for UK culture and content creation. The digital platforms through which most people find news, with Google (Alphabet) and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) who are all American owned control about 60% of UK digital advertising spend. Already, some if the mist watched TV is in the hands if foreign firms, but being on our systems, they must follow our laws. Did you know Sky is owned by the US giant Comcast, and Channel 5 is owned by Paramount Global. These are 2 of the biggest commercial players in the country. Plus, we risk ITV being taken over by US firms. Yet currently a significant portion of the:- "primary" media consumed by the British public remains in UK or non-US hands, thanks to terrestrial TV (the channels you get through a standard aerial via Freeview) The BBC, as a public service broadcaster, remains the single largest news source in the UK and despite the narrative that the BBC should be scrapped being strongly pushed by foreign owned media and foreign owned social media.

On top of these issues as the UK Government debates the 2034 terrestrial TV switch off, a growing chorus of advocates is warning that the move could trigger a national:- "social resilience" crisis.

New data suggests that while the transition to internet only streaming may save broadcasters money, it risks permanently severing the connection between the state and its most vulnerable citizens.

Campaigners are now presenting petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures to Downing Street, demanding a:- "Clear Guarantee" those offline alternatives for essential services; including:- broadcast TV and radio; remain protected. They argue that until the UK achieves 100% universal, affordable broadband, and can protect 100% those online from misinformation, can guarantee everyone will get emergency information freely, the terrestrial signal must stay on.

What are your thoughts on this? Please do email us at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. We have already had a few replies on our Social Media pages and on email, like reader Joy Griffiths has told us that:- "I don't support switching it off. I'm 73 and struggle enough with technology now without sourcing TV programmes elsewhere. My mum is 95 and doesn't stand a chance of learning new ways." Your responses help us to understand what is the true feelings of our readers about this and other topics we run, so please do let us know...

If you would like to sign the 1 of the Petitions calling on the public to protect TV and radio for the future generations and the millions of people, today, who depend on it, please visit:- Change.Org.