The UK's free-to-air television service, Freeview, has been a staple of British viewing for nearly 25 years, providing access to TV channels for millions of households across the country. Despite its enduring popularity, however, the industry's leading broadcasters are now calling for an end to the service by as early as 2034.
The move comes as a result of a shift in viewing habits, driven by the rise of smart TVs, superfast broadband, and the Netflix-led streaming revolution. As more viewers turn to online platforms for their programming, the need for a traditional TV service like Freeview is being questioned.
Campaigners, however, argue that millions of people who still rely on Freeview will be left behind if the service is scrapped. Many do not want the extra cost of a monthly broadband subscription or prefer the ease of use offered by traditional broadcast television.
One such individual is Lynette, an 80-year-old from Kent who found streaming services "irritating" and difficult to navigate. Her concerns are shared by thousands of others who have signed an online petition calling for the service to be preserved.
Research suggests that while internet-based TV may offer more flexibility and accessibility, it also poses significant challenges for vulnerable viewers. A report published earlier this year estimated that nearly 1.8 million households in the UK will still rely on Freeview by 2035, with many of these households being those most in need of support.
The industry's leading broadcasters have coalesced around a proposal to switch off digital terrestrial television (DTT) in 2034, citing the cost-effectiveness of internet-based TV. However, critics argue that this would leave a significant number of viewers without access to essential services like emergency broadcasts during times of crisis.
The debate highlights a broader tension between those who see the future of TV as online and those who prefer traditional broadcast methods. While the rise of streaming services is undeniable, it remains to be seen whether they will ultimately prove more inclusive or isolating for Britain's viewing public.
The move comes as a result of a shift in viewing habits, driven by the rise of smart TVs, superfast broadband, and the Netflix-led streaming revolution. As more viewers turn to online platforms for their programming, the need for a traditional TV service like Freeview is being questioned.
Campaigners, however, argue that millions of people who still rely on Freeview will be left behind if the service is scrapped. Many do not want the extra cost of a monthly broadband subscription or prefer the ease of use offered by traditional broadcast television.
One such individual is Lynette, an 80-year-old from Kent who found streaming services "irritating" and difficult to navigate. Her concerns are shared by thousands of others who have signed an online petition calling for the service to be preserved.
Research suggests that while internet-based TV may offer more flexibility and accessibility, it also poses significant challenges for vulnerable viewers. A report published earlier this year estimated that nearly 1.8 million households in the UK will still rely on Freeview by 2035, with many of these households being those most in need of support.
The industry's leading broadcasters have coalesced around a proposal to switch off digital terrestrial television (DTT) in 2034, citing the cost-effectiveness of internet-based TV. However, critics argue that this would leave a significant number of viewers without access to essential services like emergency broadcasts during times of crisis.
The debate highlights a broader tension between those who see the future of TV as online and those who prefer traditional broadcast methods. While the rise of streaming services is undeniable, it remains to be seen whether they will ultimately prove more inclusive or isolating for Britain's viewing public.
think its crazy that people are saying get rid of Freeview cuz everyone else is on Netflix... 80 yr olds dont wanna give up traditional TV 
dont see how streaming services could possibly be better than having a simple menu to choose from 
especially for those who dont have fancy broadband 
. As Lynette's story highlights, millions of people rely on traditional broadcast television due to its ease of use and affordability 
. While the benefits of internet-based TV are undeniable, we must consider the potential drawbacks for vulnerable viewers 
, especially those in rural areas with limited access to broadband 
.
. By phasing out Freeview, we risk leaving a significant portion of our population behind 
. We need to explore ways to make internet-based TV more accessible and affordable for all 
. The debate around Freeview's future is not just about technology, but about our social responsibility 
.
I think this is a huge mistake! Who needs internet to watch telly? Not me, that's for sure 
. My mum's got Freeview and it's been working fine for years. Why fix what ain't broke? And what about all the old folks like Lynette who don't want to spend extra cash on a broadband subscription? They're not gonna be able to afford streaming services anyway 
. Let's preserve Freeview, not axe it! 
. Freeview has been a lifeline for so many seniors and those in rural areas where broadband is sketchy at best. If they switch it off, I worry that we'll end up with a two-tiered TV system - those who can afford online streaming and those who can't 
... what are we gonna do with people like her? I know some folks say it's the future of TV and all that jazz 
, but have you seen how hard it is to find a good show on those streaming services?! 
Freeview has got some great channels too, like BBC News and CBBC - can't replace those with online nonsense 
We need to think about people who aren't exactly tech-savvy or don't have access to broadband... that's just not fair 
.
I'm totally bummed about Freeview 
. My grandpa is 80 and he can't figure out how to use Netflix 
, but what about those who don't have superfast broadband? 
It's not fair to leave them behind 
. We need to make sure everyone has access to important stuff like emergency broadcasts 
. Can't we just find a middle ground? 
Freeview has been around for 25 years and now its being scrapped? 
I don't think we should just abandon people because some of us are slow to adopt new tech 
. Like, I get it, online stuff is convenient and all but what about the old folks who just wanna stick w/ traditional TV? 
i mean i get why they wanna switch but like how r these ppl gonna watch tv if they gotta pay 4 broadband every month? 
and I feel bad when we watch TV together on the old fashioned telly. If Freeview goes, she'll be stuck without access to her favorite shows 
. We should be looking at ways to make internet TV more accessible, not just abandoning people who need us most 
. Anyway, back to this Freeview thing. Can you imagine living in a world where everyone has Netflix and can't watch their fave soapies on TV because they can't afford it or don't know how to use streaming services? Like, I get the need for modern tech, but some people just wanna sit around watching BBC One and have a pint, ya know? 
. I mean, what about people like Lynette who are literally struggling with online stuff? She's 80, she doesn't need all that complexity 