Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Future of TV Distribution

Thursday 27 November 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial working group has met four times to discuss future TV changes.
  • Cross-party concern over the future of terrestrial television was noted in Westminster Hall debate.
  • Minister offered to meet concerned MPs to discuss safeguarding terrestrial television.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)

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.

Partly answered

How: Let Us Not Forget This Is A Decision From 01 January 2034 Onwards

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)

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.

Partly answered

How: As The Stakeholder Forum Nears Completion

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email