A Cornish charity has joined a national campaign to protect against the loss of free to air TV and radio services, which could disappear in just a few years.
Citizens Advice Cornwall, which offers free advice and support to everyone but is best known for its work supporting those undergoing financial and social hardship, has pledged its support to the Broadcast 2040+ campaign.
The campaign is encouraging the government to agree to maintain universal access to digital terrestrial TV (commonly known as Freeview) and aerial radio services.
Both digital and terrestrial TV and radio are at risk of being driven to online-only services when, later this year, an international conference will decide their future.
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However, the charities say that universally accessible broadcast serves a crucial role in the wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in society.
The charity says broadcast media is vital for the wellbeing of many of the people it supports, and that many people are unable to access online subscription services due to financial and technological barriers.
Millions tuned in to watch the Coronation and Eurovision, highlighting the crucial role that universal access to Freeview TV plays in bringing the nation together to be inspired, informed and entertained.
Gill Pipkin, CEO of Citizens Advice Cornwall, said: “As a rural, low income area with an ageing population, people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly rely heavily on free broadcast media for companionship, entertainment and to keep informed.
“A number of people we see are cancelling their TV subscriptions because they can no longer afford them. We strongly back this campaign to keep free access to broadcasting.”
Research from Ipsos shows the significant negative impact of the potential loss of broadcast TV and radio to people in the region, particularly for those who are vulnerable when disconnected from public information and entertainment.
Polling by Strand Partners of more than 400 people in Cornwall, found that 67 per cent support the continued provision of free TV and radio services. 86 per cent listen to radio through a radio set every month and 66 per cent consider its continued provision essential or important, while 78 per cent watch TV via Freeview every month, and 52 per cent consider its continued provision essential or important.