Member Article

West Yorkshire charity joins campaign to save TV and radio

Focus4Hope has joined calls on the Government to stop Freeview TV and radio services from being scrapped. The charity has pledged its support to Broadcast 2040+, which is campaigning to keep universal access to digital terrestrial TV (Freeview) and aerial radio services. Currently, the Government has only committed to protecting them in the short term – failure to guarantee them long term, could result in tens of thousands of people in West Yorkshire, especially the oldest and more vulnerable who use the services every day, being left without access to TV and radio. Based in Brighouse and providing support to vulnerable people of all types in West Yorkshire, Focus4Hope began as a community-based group of friends, who wanted to develop ways of collectively making a difference in the region. It has grown to become a pillar of local society, supporting thousands of people through its community work and foodbank. Both TV and radio services are at risk of being driven to online-only services when, later this year, an international conference will decide their future. However, Focus4Hope says that universally accessible broadcast plays a crucial role in the wellbeing of the vulnerable and older people they work with because many are unable to access online subscription services due to financial and technological barriers. Nationally, millions of viewers tuned in to watch the Coronation and Eurovision earlier this month, highlighting the crucial role that universal access to Freeview TV plays in bringing the nation together to be inspired, informed and entertained. Louise Reed, founder and CEO, of Focus4Hope: “Access to broadcast TV and radio is crucial for disadvantaged communities to stay informed, engaged, and connected with the world around them and that is why we are supporting Broadcast 2040+. “For many disadvantaged individuals and families, broadcast TV and radio are the only sources of reliable information and entertainment. It’s vital that we ensure equal access to these resources. “Through access to broadcast media, disadvantaged individuals and communities can find hope, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Free to air TV and radio can quite literally be a lifeline and it must be protected.”

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