Future of TV Distribution 2025-11-27
2025-11-27
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent survey indicates that the public has little knowledge about future changes to terrestrial television, with those who are aware expressing concern over service availability and cost. The survey highlights a need for clarity on these issues.
The Minister will be aware of a recent survey showing very little public knowledge of future TV changes but significant concerns among those aware regarding both obtaining the service and its cost. What guarantees can the Minister give that costs will not be too heavy?
Those are all considerations for the working group. It has met four times already and is due to meet again in December. I have met the group since taking office to discuss these issues. Digital inclusion, connectivity, and cost are active concerns that will be weighed by Government when making a decision, but let us not forget this is a decision from 01 January 2034 onwards—nothing will change before that.
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Assessment & feedback
Let Us Not Forget This Is A Decision From 01 January 2034 Onwards
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Older people and residents in rural areas reliant on terrestrial television have raised concerns about the transition to new distribution systems. A Westminster Hall debate led by David Mundell demonstrated cross-party concern over the issue.
Older people and those in constituencies with unreliable broadband rely on terrestrial television. The Westminster Hall debate I led showed significant cross-party concern. Will the Minister meet me and other concerned MPs to discuss how we can safeguard terrestrial television?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his work on this issue; the Westminster Hall debate was engaging with contributions from across the House. As the stakeholder forum nears completion, I would be happy to meet him. When the assessment is complete, my office will contact him. Meeting the right hon. Gentleman is always a pleasure.
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Assessment & feedback
As The Stakeholder Forum Nears Completion
Response accuracy