If a story or rumour is not denied quickly it can quickly grow arms and legs.
It is time for the government to make it clear that Freeview is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Otherwise the fear could build up. Hysterical press stories could begin.
And, worst of all, the elderly and disadvantaged could be left anxious or exploited by those seeking to make a fast buck.
The question over Freeview’s long-term future is based on two issues: questions over whether frequencies should be turned over to other uses – such as improving mobile broadband – and the support of the broadcasters for Freely.
Freely is dubbed the successor to Freeview – but would it not be better to describe it as an upgrade?
It will be interesting to see how much demand there actually is for Freely sets. At present set-top boxes are unavailable.
However the idea of switching off Freeview and actually replacing it with Freely depends on one crucial factor. Every home would need access to fast, reliable, unmetered internet access.
And even if that access existed, would some people – especially those who are vulnerable and some older people – actually want it?
Advances in consumer technology and changing behaviour do not in themselves justify doing anything which leaves some people behind.
There are parallels. Some people scarcely use hard cash now – others are still dependent on it. Nobody in the mainstream wants to abolish notes and coins.
Switching off the public service multiplexes – which carry BBC, ITV and Channel 4 services together with Channel 5 – should only be contemplated once Freeview accounts for a small share of free viewing.
I would suggest it can only be considered once most people who don’t want pay TV have migrated naturally to Freely leaving Freeview with barely 20 – 25% of free viewing.
That day could be a long way off.
And even then plenty of notice would need to be given. Probably 5 years.
The one thing which should be discussed now is whether some small relay transmitters are still necessary.
Most of the transmitters built after the late-70s were designed to deal with localised reception issues – bad ghosting or dips in the signal – or examples of communities getting the “wrong” region, especially in rural parts of Scotland and Wales.
In practice some of those transmitters may be little used now or the problem they sought to solve may not be a practical issue for digital viewers.
Any move to reduce coverage would need careful consideration and need approval from Ofcom.
But back to the key point.
Nothing should happen now which can create the impression that anyone will be “forced” to buy new equipment.
A clear statement needs to be made by the government.
Acknowledgements
PICTURED: Divis transmitters (Belfast). COPYRIGHT: Nathan Dane.