As you may have seen in our previous newsletters, the Rural Services Network (RSN) is part of a campaign called Broadcast 2040+. This campaign aims to make sure that the government's media policies protect ‘free to air’ broadcast TV and radio services, received through an aerial by millions of homes, for decades to come. Right now, these services are only guaranteed until the early 2030s.

In the UK, millions of people, including those living in rural areas represented by the RSN, rely on digital terrestrial television (also known as Freeview) and broadcast radio. These services are available to everyone and do not require a superfast internet connection.

These services are especially important for vulnerable people in our society, and people living in rural and remote areas. We know that many of our members struggle to receive a good internet connection, so broadcast services are often the only reliable option for them to access TV and radio. Ipsos research found that people in rural areas are more likely to say the continued provision of digital terrestrial television (60%) and broadcast radio (73%) is very important if not essential.

Recently, Broadcast 2040+ expanded to include 30 organisations. Our new partners include the Digital Poverty Alliance, the National Federation of the Blind UK, the Local Television Network, and the Campaign to End Loneliness, among others. Together, we are exerting pressure on the government to make the right decision and protect broadcast TV and radio services to 2040 and beyond. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure this outcome becomes a reality.

The coalition has been actively pressing the case for broadcast services. The next 12 months will be a crucial time, with the Government’s draft Media Bill facing scrutiny, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC23) meeting in Dubai to debate the future use of the spectrum used to deliver broadcast TV, and Ofcom beginning a review into the future of TV distribution.

We are engaging with policy makers, government officials, shadow cabinet and members of parliament to ensure that broadcast TV and radio are protected in any future legislation, especially as we lead up to a general election. We want to ensure that everyone will continue to be able to access important content through broadcast TV and radio into the future.

Keep your eyes peeled as we announce more partners and updates on our activity to secure the future of these vital assets. For any questions or more information on how to get involved please email [email protected] or visit our website.