The Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Andy Street, has endorsed the importance of local TV and radio services after visiting the iconic Sutton Coldfield mast.
Standing at 270 metres, the transmitter is recognised as one of the most important in the UK, providing a range of TV and radio services for more than 1,800,000 households across the West Midlands.
During the visit, the mayor acknowledged the importance of the structure at a time when universal access to Freeview TV and local radio has come under threat.
Mr Street said: “I’m very clear on this, the broadcast services, which are free to air are very important and so necessary for those in society who don’t have much choice – so I’m part of the group that says they’ve got to be protected.”
Later this year, an international conference will decide whether to safeguard the radiofrequency spectrum used to deliver these services. A campaign, Broadcast 2040+, calls on the UK Government to ensure that the international decision does not negatively impact the services relied on by the people living in the West Midlands.
Freeview TV is especially important for older and vulnerable people, many of whom don’t understand or can’t afford services like Sky, Virgin or Netflix.
A coalition of charities across the UK, including West Midlands based Churches 4 Positive Change, are working together as part of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign, which seeks to protect vital TV and radio services for everyone – including the elderly and vulnerable people that rely on them the most – until 2040 and beyond.
Ruben King from NTCG and Churches 4 Positive Change, said: “For so many marginalised people that we support – those who are new to the UK or living in poverty – terrestrial TV and radio not only provide entertainment, but is also an important lifeline to health information and important news and education.
“Through access to broadcast media, disadvantaged individuals and communities can find hope, inspiration, and a communal sense of belonging. It’s essential that everyone has the chance to access and benefit from these resources.”
