The BBC Director-General’s speech to The Lowry Theatre on Wednesday was wide-ranging, dealing with the broadcaster’s role in modern society, but it also edged us closer to the prospect of a Freeview closure.
Going further than previous interventions Davey said the BBC had been working hard to build digital platforms and “welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world.”
“We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success.”
Davey said the BBC can play a key role in making sure the post broadcast world is inclusive and accessible.
“To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services,” said Davey.
Other publications have reported that this new Freely device is a streaming stick, but given that the word doesn’t appear in Mr Davey’s written text, it could just as easily be a small puck sized box.
Either way, it would be a move for Freely, which to date has concentrating on placing its service within branded Smart TVs.
Freely, is run by the PSB-backed Everyone TV, and also counts Freeview and Freesat among its services. Having approved Freeview and Freesat boxes in the past, a Freely device isn’t much of a jump.
There will however be concerns from groups representing the disadvantage, where there is movement from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport following a report last week that recognised the need for government intervention if a digital to IP switchover were to take place
