BBC’s terrestrial TV switch-off ‘risks closure of radio stations’

The BBC’s push to switch off terrestrial TV risks taking commercial radio stations off air, ministers have been warned.Radio bosses have said that the planned replacement of traditional TV signals with internet streaming could force some stations to close as they face high costs to maintain energy-intensive masts.Ministers are locked in discussions with broadcasters about the switch-off, which is slated for 2034.However, the commercial radio industry is not part of those talks, despite many of its masts being shared with TV channels.Radiocentre, which represents commercial stations such as Classic FM and Magic, said the sector was being overlooked and warned that listeners could ultimately pay the price.Matt Payton, the Radiocentre chief executive, wrote in a letter to Ian Murray, the media minister: “Should there be a decision to push ahead with an accelerated all-IP delivery of television, the closure of DTT [Digital Terrestrial Television] (either in full or part) would inevitably have a significant economic cost to radio broadcasters as the remaining users of the UK’s broadcast distribution network.“Were the commercial radio sector expected to bear these increased distribution costs in the mid-2030s, this could make many commercial stations loss-making and put the ongoing viability of a number of cherished radio services in question.”The letter warned that any move to put unsustainable costs on radio companies would harm audiences, adding that there would be a disproportionate impact on older and more isolated listeners who rely on AM, FM and DAB.Radio bosses also accused the BBC of leading the push to switch off terrestrial TV without considering the impact on radio.Mr Payton said: “The power within the BBC from the top is about TV and it’s about distribution, so those are the people leading these discussions. The audio and radio divisions of the BBC aren’t particularly engaged with it as far as I can tell.”He argued that while the licence fee-funded corporation could shoulder additional costs from the switch-off, it may force commercial stations to shut down.The terrestrial switch-off has proved politically sensitive as campaigners call for the date to be pushed back to 2040 to ensure that older and more vulnerable audiences are not left behind.These campaigners are supported by Arqiva, the company that owns Britain’s TV masts and has a commercial interest in extending their life.The BBC, alongside fellow public service broadcasters ITV and Channel 4, is resisting these efforts, arguing that they face surging costs to keep terrestrial broadcasts going amid declining audiences and a shift to streaming.Radiocentre urged the Government to consider the impact of the switch-off on radio before any decisions are made.The plea comes ahead of a wider review of the UK’s radio and audio sector, which is expected to begin early next year.A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC, other public service broadcasters, Ofcom and the wider industry are working with the Government to make sure the transition already under way towards an internet-only future is made in a planned, organised way, so that people understand the changes, the infrastructure is in place and there’s a smooth and seamless switchover when the time is right.“This is a collective process, recognising the importance of broadcast radio services too, and any suggestion that the BBC is controlling it is untrue.”