REALITY TV stars tonight joined demands for the Freeview switch-off to be pushed back into the 2040s.
They are calling on Andy Burnham to help millions of people who fear the terrestrial platform could be switched off in 2034.
Gabby Allen, a star of ITV’s Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother, said: “Millions of households still rely on these services to stay connected.
“For many people there isn’t a straightforward alternative because of where they live, what they can afford or the technology they’re able to use.”
Too Hot to Handle star Emily Miller added: “I really don’t think millions of people, including the older generation and people who simply can’t afford other means of staying connected, should lose access to it.”
The Sun’s Save Our Sets campaign is demanding free TV is protected rather than forcing viewers into paying for internet-based services.
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Ministers are consulting on proposals to end traditional terrestrial television broadcasts and deliver TV over the internet instead, with ministers considering a switch-off from 2034 or delaying it until 2044.
Prime Minister Burnham told MPs this week he was “concerned” about the plans and vowed to “have a proper look at it”.
He added: “I know some of my constituents in Makerfield rely on Freeview. There is perhaps an opportunity to look at this as part of the BBC Charter renewal process.
“I recognise it’s a genuine issue…I know it will be of concern to constituents and let me have a proper look at it.”
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Polling shows four in five people would be angry if free-to-air TV was switched off in 2034. Nearly seven in 10 said any government doing so would be out of touch with ordinary people.
A Save Free TV spokesman said: “The Prime Minister is right to be worried, and the whole country agrees with him.
“Younger people also want free TV protected, because they know their parents and grandparents depend on it. It’s time to rule out a 2034 switch off for good and keep it running to 2044 at the least”