Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

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Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a switch-off of terrestrial television on people's ability to watch television in the UK without a smart device.

Answer: The Government is clear that no one should be left behind as television watching increasingly moves online. A core objective of the DCMS’s future of TV distribution work is to ensure that any transition is inclusive, and supports both the continued sustainability of the UK’s media ecosystem and the Government’s wider ambitions for digital inclusion. The Department recognises that some audiences may face challenges around affordability, connectivity, digital confidence or usability, and these issues are being carefully considered. As set out in the recent Media Green Paper ‘Watch this Space’ the Government expects an audience support package will be needed to help them move from Digital Terrestrial Television to TV watched over the internet smoothly and with confidence.

Secondary information