In a move that I have been saying will happen, here in the UK it is looking increasing likely that Freeview, the free to air TV system will be shut down in the future. Now no timescale yet, although I do know it will be here till at least 2034 unless a big change of heart happens. What will replace it? Well of course, we all know it will be replaced by internet streaming. This also opens up the chance for the BBC to go to a monthly fee and pay-as-you-watch if that’s what you want because obviously Freeview has a clue in the title. Now don’t get me wrong, Freeview or more precisely digital terrestrial services already have the mechanisms and means to charge, but along with Freesat which is the companion service for satellite broadcasting which is already winding down as the Astra satellites are turned off the free part means a seismic change in how TV will be delivered for millions. I personally only know a few people who still only use “free” tv services, and that amount is declining pretty steadily, but the big news is that this pretty much signals that the days of the BBC and licence fee are numbered! I cannot see how the BBC can continue in its current form as people I have known for years are increasingly choosing to not pay the licence fee…
So this is just a short explanation about where things are headed. To many if, buts and maybes so far but I can tell you that “free” tv is coming to an end in the UK, just not sure when yet. We all pretty much know that the licence fee is too expensive now for what it is, and news this week that the BBC is going to go through a seismic cost cutting exercise just to survive shows it will happen…
I welcome your thoughts!