28 Sep 2026
The Rural Services Network is a partner in Broadcast 2040+, a campaign calling for free-to-air terrestrial television and radio to remain available until at least 2044.
The Government is considering two dates for switching off terrestrial television: 2034 and 2044. For rural households without reliable or affordable broadband, television received through an aerial remains an important way to watch programmes and follow the news. Terrestrial broadcasting also provides another way to receive information if internet and mobile networks fail.
MPs from across the political parties have signed an open letter to Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy urging the Government to choose 2044. It highlights the potential effect of an earlier switch-off on older people, households on tight budgets, people with disabilities, and rural, coastal and island communities. The campaign says further MPs have added their names since the attached version was issued.
How Members Can Help
Broadcast 2040+ is asking members to encourage MPs who have not yet signed the open letter to add their names ahead of the Government’s forthcoming White Paper. If you have a relationship with an MP, you can explain why continued access to terrestrial television matters to your community and direct them to Broadcast 2040+ to connect with the campaign team.
The Government has not announced a publication date for the White Paper. It says its final decisions will be set out there after it considers responses to the consultation.
