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Saturday, February 14, 2026

“Poll: Voters Warn Against Abandoning Terrestrial TV”

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A fresh poll cautions that abandoning traditional terrestrial TV could trigger a backlash amongst voters comparable to the uproar surrounding the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment. The survey reveals that 75% of voters consider ending terrestrial TV as a “betrayal,” with over half indicating that a party’s position on safeguarding it for the long term would influence their voting decision. Ensuring continued universal access to terrestrial TV alongside internet streaming is being advocated by the Broadcast 2040+ campaign, which includes members like the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) and the Rural Services Network. A comprehensive survey of over 25,000 individuals in 100 constituencies, conducted by the campaign group, found that 75% of the public perceive terrestrial TV as a fundamental service that should be preserved in the extended future. Moreover, 52% of respondents emphasized the importance of fairness in TV access, ranking it similarly to winter fuel payments and disability benefits. Even among those who stream TV online, three-quarters regard terrestrial TV as an essential part of the public safety net and deserving of protection. The study highlights significant opposition among rural voters, parents, individuals with disabilities, and those with lower incomes. Scrapping terrestrial TV is cautioned to potentially enhance Reform’s electoral gains, especially leading up to the 2026 elections in Scotland and Wales. Dennis Reed from Silver Voices warns of potential political uproar among older voters if Freeview is discontinued, stressing the importance of universal public services like terrestrial TV. Labour MP Sarah Champion emphasizes the critical role of terrestrial TV for millions across the UK, particularly for those who cannot afford monthly broadband connections. Tory MP David Mundell stresses the risks associated with hasty changes to public services, urging the UK Government to ensure the future of terrestrial TV into the 2040s. Members of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign, including Age UK, Silver Voices, and the Rural Services Network, are advocating for the preservation of terrestrial TV. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) spokesperson affirms the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity as TV consumption shifts online, highlighting ongoing collaboration with the TV industry on a sustainable TV distribution strategy. A decision on extending the commitment to digital terrestrial television until at least 2034 is expected soon.

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