[CMA TV] Switchover benefits - but not for everyone

[Diane Reid]

I've enclosed a press release from the DCMS about how digital
switchover, as currently planned, will not deliver benefits to
vulnerable groups. From a community media point of view, digital
television should not only benefit communities because they're able to
receive programming made by others, it's important that they should be
able to participate in programme making and ownership as well.

DCMS Press Release begins

"ANALOGUE TV SWITCH-OFF MUST NOT LEAVE VIEWERS IN THE DARK

The Government has been warned that if its plans for analogue switchoff
are to succeed ‘it needs to lead and be transparently accountable for
its policies.’

A report by the Culture Media and Sport Committee argues that there need
to be ‘clearer chains of command with precise responsibilities
specifically defined’ with a Government minister being appointed as a
‘visible champion’ to manage the process.

MPs believe there is a danger that Digital UK, the body overseeing the
process, will ‘lack the authority and resources to manage the interests
of a diverse group of industry stakeholders should their bonds of mutual
self interest come under strain.’

Plans to force people to switch to Digital TV by 2012 will, by the
Government’s own estimate, cost an ‘average household’ between £80 -
£570.

The Committee concludes the Government should do far more to explain to
the public why they have chosen to proceed with analogue switch-off now,
what options are available to people and on whom the costs and benefits
will fall. More also needs to be done if the full opportunities of the
switch-over to digital are to be realised. Encouragement should be given
to consumers to take advantage of the full range of facilities now
available through digital transmission and decisions about the future
use of released spectrum need to be taken quickly.

The report argues that more should be done to support vulnerable groups
who might struggle with the switch. ‘The scope of the Government’s
targeted assistance programme is too restricted and fails to acknowledge
those who, by dint of income or social exclusion, are in genuine need.
With analogue switch-off beginning in two years this matter requires
urgent consideration.’

Responsibility for the administration of the targeted assistance scheme
for vulnerable groups must be clearly assigned. The scheme should take
into account the need to provide adequate funding for the voluntary
sector, which will play a vital role in providing practical assistance
to vulnerable groups.

Commenting, Committee Chairman, John Whittingdale said:

‘The move to digital is unstoppable and offers considerable benefits.
However, analogue switch-off also carries with it significant risks.
Whilst the Government can be commended for its decision to start the
process of switch-off in just two years time, it needs to start leading
from the front if it’s to ensure that it can be achieved smoothly and
with maximum public support and the minimum of disruption.

More must be done to help those who will struggle to install or simply
understand the digital technology. Currently there are too many people
who do not qualify for government assistance, yet are in genuine need.
If switch-off is to be a success, there must be no-one who wakes up on
the day to discover that they are watching a blank screen”

 

The Committee also concluded that:

·       As provision of TVs and other receiving equipment to vulnerable
groups is a social cost the use of Exchequer funds (rather than the TV
licence) to meet this cost is more progressive and justified given the
value of the spectrum released. It also places accountability properly
on the Minister’s desk.

·       The BBC’s next licence fee settlement should take into account
the Corporation’s share of the building the DTT network. However, this
in itself does not justify an above inflation settlement. Whatever the
outcome of the latest negotiations between the Government and the BBC on
the next licence fee settlement, it is vital that the relevant figures
are subjected to independent audit and the detailed conclusions of such
an audit published.

·       The Government decided to go ahead with the switchover because
‘the benefits far outweigh the costs’. For 2012, it is calculated that
the net benefit of digital switchover comes to £1.7 billion. However,
the outcome of the cost benefit analysis is subject to a wide margin of
error. It remains our view that the benefit side of the cost-benefit
analysis is very subjective, and that the narrow economic case for
switchover in inconclusive. 

·       Consumers must be given clear advice on the necessity of
engaging a reputable installer. Trading Standards and other enforcement
bodies must be alert to the risk of “cowboys” attempting to exploit lack
of understanding."


Best wishes

Diane
 
Diane Reid
Director, Community Media Association
'Access to the media for people and communities' www.commedia.org.uk 
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