Express praised after ‘Keep Us Tuned In’ TV marketing campaign hit 30,000 supporters

The marketing campaign group behind a motion to guard the way forward for public broadcasting has praised the Express’s ‘Keep Us Tuned In’, after the petition closed this month with 30,000 signatures.

The petition backers, from each parliamentary constituency throughout the UK, warned that the World Radiocommunication Conference in November this 12 months might lead to tens of millions dropping entry to Freeview telly.

Campaign group Silver Voices launched the petition, warning that such a transfer would particularly hit these over 60 who nonetheless depend on standard tv companies, given internet-based companies are much less dependable and way more expensive.

Commenting on the petition’s demonstration of public help, Dennis Reed, Director of Silver Voices, praised the Express’ campaign on the difficulty however demanded the Government now listens and acts.

Mr Reed mentioned: “The future of public broadcasting, including Freeview TV and aerial radio, has now become a mainstream political issue, aided by our official petition which has gained almost an impressive 30,000 signatures, and the impactful Daily Express ‘Keep Us Tuned In’ crusade”.

“The public’s awareness of this subject is increasing, and every MP needs to recognise the importance of this issue.”

While he mentioned the marketing campaign has “cut through” to senior members of the Government, Silver Voices are demanding ministers present “much greater clarity” on their long-term place.

“Technological change is taking place at a frightening rate as we have seen by the growth in the use of smartphone apps to run so many services over the past couple of years.

“This is not an issue which can be considered at a leisurely pace over a period of years, as without adequate protection, Freeview TV and aerial broadcasting could find its frequencies disappear very quickly indeed.”

Silver Voices has known as on the Government to make a “very clear statement” that they’ll do every little thing of their energy to guard Freeview TV and aerial radio, particularly given it’s older generations who depend on terrestrial broadcasting probably the most.

The marketing campaign has received cross-party help amongst MPs, with Labour’s shadow minister for digital infrastructure, Stephanie Peacock, highlighting the marketing campaign in Parliament.

Ms Peacock mentioned: “Terrestrial TV content is therefore primarily relied on by those who are already marginalised in our society—people on the lowest incomes, older citizens and those in isolated rural areas.

“Indeed, as the Broadcast 2040+ campaign highlights, such services are relied on by an even greater proportion of those in Scotland because of its increased rurality, island communities and comparatively older population.”

The convention in Dubai this November will resolve the destiny of Freeview TV companies, with international locations set to agree whether or not the spectrum of radio frequencies at present used for TV broadcasting ought to as a substitute be reallocated to new applied sciences.

When the petition acquired 10,000 signatures, the Government responded: “We agree that terrestrial TV and radio are hugely important and will continue to be for years to come. We remain committed to ensuring UK audiences can access these platforms in the long term”.

“For these reasons, the Government has already legislated to secure continuity of digital terrestrial television until at least 2034.

“We believe this strikes the right balance between giving certainty to audiences, platform operators and broadcasters on the one hand, while recognising that – in a decade’s time – the broadcasting landscape and quality of digital infrastructure might look very different.”