Take Action to Save Free TV
Support the campaign
MPs will help decide whether free terrestrial TV is switched off in 2034, or kept going until 2044. Tell your MP why this matters to you.
Your letter
Subject: Save Free TV | Protect a universal service until 2044
Dear [MP name],
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I'm writing as your constituent to ask you to support keeping free terrestrial TV running until 2044.
Free terrestrial TV is one of Britain's fairest universal services. Millions of people, including many older people, rural communities and people on lower incomes, rely on it as their only way of watching TV.
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The Government is currently considering whether to switch off terrestrial TV in 2034 or keep it running until 2044. A premature 2034 switch-off would force millions of households to depend on high-speed broadband to continue watching television, adding new ongoing costs at a time when many families are already struggling with the cost of living.
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For many people, this would mean paying for broadband they neither need nor want, as well as potentially having to buy new equipment simply to continue receiving services that are currently free at the point of use.
There is a fully costed and deliverable plan to keep free terrestrial TV running until 2044. This would protect universal access, avoid unnecessary costs for households, and give the country time to manage any future transition fairly and responsibly. Please support keeping free terrestrial TV until 2044.
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[Your name]
Why this matters
Free TV brings people together. It is how families and friends gather to watch the news, the football and the shows that everyone is talking about, whatever their age, income or background. It is one of Britain's few truly universal services, free at the point of use and open to everyone.
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But that universality can’t be taken for granted. A truly universal television service has to work for everyone, not just those who can afford or rely on high-speed broadband connections. Nobody should be excluded from watching. The future of television has to work for:
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Older people who rely on television for company and trusted news.
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Disabled viewers who need accessible services that are easy to find and use.
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Households watching every bill.
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Rural communities where broadband still can't always be relied on.
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People left without a connection when the internet goes down.​
A rushed 2034 switch-off puts an artificial deadline ahead of what's best for the public. 2044 gives the country the time to get this right. Keep Free TV working until everyone is ready.
If you represent an organisation, find out more about how you can become a Broadcast 2040+ partner.
As a Broadcast 2040+ partner, you will join a diverse group of voices united behind the shared goal of promoting the long-term future of broadcast TV and radio.
As well as being publicised in our campaign materials, your partner activity could involve:
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Your name being included in press releases with opportunities for your spokespeople to be quoted in media coverage.
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Receiving exclusive Broadcast 2040+ data insights (e.g. polling commissioned by Broadcast 2040+).
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Receiving regular newsletters.
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Attend or co-sponsor future Broadcast 2040+ events.
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For more information about joining the coalition, please email contact@broadcast2040plus.org