House of Commons · Westminster Hall
04 September 2025 · 13 other contributors · 11,409 words
Opened by David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Responding minister: Stephanie Peacock
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
David Mundell raised concerns about future of terrestrial television in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government needs to provide a long-term commitment to support terrestrial TV’s role for decades to come and give certainty to millions of viewers. The debate seeks to raise awareness about the potential end to terrestrial TV which is currently under threat despite being widely used.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate focuses on the potential switch-off of terrestrial TV by the mid-2030s despite it being a widely used and essential service reaching 98.5% of UK population including remote and rural areas. More than 69% of the public are unaware that the future of terrestrial TV is under threat, with 73% believing it should be protected beyond 2035.
Raised similar concerns about rural areas facing challenges with television access and infrastructure.
The MP argues for protecting digital terrestrial TV and free radio, emphasizing the role of retailers, engineers, and aerial installers in delivering these services.
Thanked the Minister for her response and highlighted concerns about vulnerable individuals in rural areas unable to afford or access new technologies like Sky Glass.
The MP supports the retention of terrestrial television due to its free access, wide channel availability, and importance for local news and elderly viewers.
He thanked his right hon. Friend for bringing the debate and highlighted the importance of terrestrial television as a free, universal and trusted service that has shaped our national culture. He expressed concerns about the potential impact on older people, rural communities, lower-income households, and those with disabilities if DTT were to be phased out too rapidly.
Emphasised that many communities in rural areas rely on the Freeview service due to patchy broadband coverage and high costs. Agreed that a commitment from the Government is needed to extend the Freeview service.
Highlights the importance of terrestrial television for significant portions of Scotland's population, with over a quarter relying solely on it. Emphasises socioeconomic disparities in internet access, noting higher reliance among deprived areas and elderly populations. Discussed practical issues related to the transmitter network in his constituency.
The MP highlights that terrestrial TV is not just about broadcast infrastructure but also about content curation and providing a service that opens audiences to new experiences.
Highlights concerns about social inclusion for vulnerable groups who rely on linear digital broadcasting.
The hon. Member for Cheltenham highlighted the importance of terrestrial television in connecting people with news and culture, especially for those on lower incomes or living alone. He mentioned that 17% of British households still rely on digital terrestrial television (Freeview), and these households are disproportionately from northern England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
He notes the improving broadband coverage in his constituency but highlights lower take-up rates and concerns over financial pressures on families. He emphasizes the role of terrestrial TV in reducing loneliness, especially among older residents, and warns about exacerbating inequalities with a switch-off.
Welcomes the initiative to discuss IPTV growth and benefits of DTT spectrum reallocation, but emphasises challenges such as universal gigabit broadband coverage. Disagreed with David Mundell's characterization of the digital switchover, noting that a set-top box was required but government support was provided to those who could not afford one.
Raises concerns about the cost implications of switching to digital-only TV delivery, estimating an upfront cost of £2.1 billion and annual costs of £1 billion. Warns against extending the digital divide and impacting educational outcomes for children affected by digital poverty.
Government Response
Stephanie PeacockThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
She congratulated the right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale on securing the debate, highlighting the role that television plays in informing, entertaining, and uniting people across generations and communities. She acknowledged the importance of a rich, dynamic television ecosystem underpinned by public service broadcasters, commercial networks, and independent producers. Supporting public service broadcasters is essential alongside commercial broadcasters and streamers. The DCMS leads a major project on the future of TV distribution to ensure universal access while considering challenges for PSBs and loyal daily viewers. DTT is guaranteed until at least 2034; no decisions have been made yet regarding extensions beyond that date due to rising costs per viewer. Early strategic planning ensures sustainable long-term solutions, involving key stakeholders and robust evidence in every step of the process. The Media Act 2024 ensures PSBs get visibility on internet platforms. Around 4.5 million households face barriers to accessing IPTV; research is being used to understand challenges and support fair access. Digital inclusion remains a priority with initiatives like Project Gigabit for gigabit-capable broadband.