A campaign that aims to put pressure on the UK government to protect “traditional” television and radio in the country has gained a number of new members.
The Broadcast 2040+ campaign is urging the government to guarantee access to Freeview and radio services beyond 2040. Under the government’s current policy, these services are only guaranteed until the early 2030s.
The coalition believes that a lack of certainty about the long-term future of broadcast services is likely to have a detrimental impact on the millions of people who rely heavily on them.
It now has over 30 members, including Arqiva, The Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV), WorldDAB, the Local TV Network, and Boom Radio.
David Powell, chair of the Local Television Network said: “The Local TV Network is delighted to be a member of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign. We welcome the opportunity to stand with likeminded partner organisations and demonstrate to government that broadcast services are an essential part of the UK’s media ecosystem, and something we should all be looking to preserve for years to come.
“The Local TV Network is proud to ensure that the communities which value our terrestrial local television services can feel connected to the world around them, especially as more and more of the UK struggles to afford streaming services. To neglect broadcast, when it is arguably needed now more than ever, would be a missed opportunity.”
Phil Riley, chief executive officer of Boom Radio UK, added: “Boom Radio believes it is important to lend its support to Broadcast 2040+. Most of our listeners are in their 60s or 70s – and a few older than that. Although most of them are digitally literate, not all are.
“The worlds of streaming, podcasts, websites, and even social media are not platforms they have grown up with, they’ve listened to the radio all their lives – and they understand the flick of a button can bring them a world of enjoyment, entertainment, and most importantly companionship. It’s vital this route into older folks’ homes and hearts isn’t threatened.”
