Independent channel group Great TV has joined the Broadcast 2040+ campaign, adding its weight to calls for the UK to safeguard Freeview terrestrial TV and radio into the 2040s as government reviews distribution beyond 2034.
The Narrative Entertainment UK-owned Great Network – comprising of four free-to-air channels – says older viewers remain heavily reliant on broadcast services. Barb data shows 93% of people aged 55+ watch broadcast TV every week, while Great’s recent “The Upper Third” report highlights the appeal of terrestrial TV as free, login-free and a source of companionship. The cohort totals 22 million people, around 32% of the UK population.
The Upper Third fits with the kind of audience targeted by the Great channels. However, at the other end of the age range Narrative has recently announced the closure of its POP kids channels on Freeview and Sky.
“TV plays such an important role in everyday life… And it’s vital that we don’t jeopardise that,” said Kate Gartland, Marketing Director at Great!. “This isn’t about being scared of technology changes… We want to see terrestrial TV backed for as long as possible.”
A Broadcast 2040+ spokesperson added that the coalition and Great! are “united in our belief that the future of terrestrial TV will not and should not end in 2034”.
Great says its channels attract a total audience of 18 million regular viewers across the UK, spanning content from classic films and TV to contemporary dramas. With Great TV on board, Broadcast 2040+ now counts 38 member organisations, including Age UK, Digital Poverty Alliance, Silver Voices, the Rural Services Network, the Voice of the Listener and Viewer, and Arqiva.
