BBC, ITV and Channel 4 push back on calls to delay terrestrial TV switch-off despite fears streaming could isolate older viewers

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The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are said to be pushing back on calls to delay the terrestrial TV switch-off, despite fears the shift to streaming could isolate the elderly.

The corporation and the other public service broadcasters are in talks with the Government over when streaming will completely replace traditional TV signals.

Current policy only guarantees provision for broadcast TV and radio through an aerial for less than a decade until 2034, but there is discussion about extending this.

The calls are being led by telecommunications firm Arqiva which in 2022 began the Broadcast 2040+ campaign, aiming to safeguard the service until 2040 and beyond.

Arqiva owns Britain's TV masts and therefore has a clear commercial interest in an extension, but groups representing older and vulnerable viewers are also concerned.

The campaign is being run in collaboration with organisations including Age UK, Silver Voices, the Rural Services Network and the Voice of Listener and Viewer (VLV).

But major broadcasters are said to be resisting the calls given high running costs for ageing and energy-intensive signals as audience totals fall, reported The Telegraph.

The BBC is trying to save millions amid funding cuts, while it has also invested heavily in streaming platforms to attract younger viewers - as have ITV and Channel 4.

The BBC is in talks with the Government over when streaming will replace traditional TV signals

The broadcasters wrote in a submission to the Government last year: 'The UK's unique public service broadcasting [PSB] ecosystem – which creates a virtuous circle of demand from UK audiences for investment in UK content – depends on affordable, universal distribution.

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'There is a risk that this could be seriously undermined if PSBs are forced to maintain legacy networks longer than they are viable or if their content is available only via 'gatekept' global platforms.'

But Dennis Reed, director of the campaign group Silver Voices, said it was 'outrageous' that the BBC 'appears to be leading the campaign to dispense with terrestrial TV as quickly as possible'.

He told MailOnline: 'Millions of older people rely on terrestrial broadcasting for both entertainment and knowledge and the BBC should be putting its foot down to protect universal access to TV.

'The BBC has already shown its ageist attitude to customers by abolishing the free TV licence for over 75s and by concentrating its output on younger audiences.

'Now it appears to want Labour to break the assurances made by successive Governments on the future of terrestrial broadcasting.'

The shift from terrestrial TV to streaming could isolate the elderly, it is claimed (stock image)

He said his campaign group will be arguing that 'high quality terrestrial TV should be kept until at least 2040; and not some dumbed down back-up version'.

VLV chairman Colin Browne told MailOnline: 'We believe it is essential that everyone across the UK continues to have access to the services of the public service broadcasters on a universal basis, without having to pay more.

Media Minister Stephanie Peacock launched a 'Future of TV Distribution' stakeholder forum last November

'There should be no question of digital terrestrial services being switched off before that can be achieved. The VLV is part of the forum set up by the Government to consider these issues and make recommendations.'

Some critics have claimed Arqiva are acting out of self-interest, given their broadcasting contract with the BBC expires in 2031 and with ITV and Channel 4 in 2034.

But a spokesman for Arqiva told MailOnline today: 'A free-to-air, highly reliable network, reaching over 98 per cent of the population with public service broadcasts, terrestrial TV is a lifeline for millions of people and a cornerstone of our national resilience.

'Arqiva is proud to work with groups representing the many millions of people who rely on it. This includes voices speaking up for older people, those facing digital poverty, and people in remote rural areas – all of whom would be hit hard if terrestrial TV were switched off.

'A hybrid future for UK broadcasting, with terrestrial TV serving alongside streaming services, will continue to give viewers the best of both worlds.'

A BBC spokesman told MailOnline: 'While more and more people are watching TV via the internet, which provides more choice, higher quality and better services, including for vulnerable audiences, it isn't the case that everyone is - and our priority is ensuring no one is left behind as digital changes take place.

In 2022, telecommunications firm Arqiva began the Broadcast 2040+ campaign (pictured)

'We're part of the Government's working group on this issue - with organisations from the TV sector, infrastructure and audience groups - to ensure there is no 'switch over' until the right conditions are in place and it's absolutely right to do so.

'We welcome the Government commitment to make a decision on this by the end of the year so that everyone has clarity on what happens next. We are actively engaged in this work and will continue to work with partners to get this right for audiences.' 

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Media Minister Stephanie Peacock launched a 'Future of TV Distribution' stakeholder forum last November, bringing together organisations and individuals from the TV industry as well as infrastructure partners, audience advocacy groups, the regulator and Government.

And a spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport told MailOnline today: 'We are committed to ensuring that no-one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves to online platforms.

'That is why the Government is currently working with the TV industry and other key players in the sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK for years to come.

'This will include a decision on whether to further extend the current commitment to keep Freeview on air until at least 2034.'

ITV and Channel 4 both declined to comment to MailOnline.