End Of Analogue Television Is Bad Idea, Says 48% Of The Population

Almost half of the population is against the Government’s proposals to switch off analogue television signals by the year 2010. Only 25% of British people think that the end of analogue transmissions is a “very good idea”.

These are the results of a survey conducted by CIA Sensor in which 500 adults were questioned about the decision to switch-off analogue, which was announced last month (see Chris Smith Sets Out Digital Agenda). Although the Government has said it will ensure that people on low incomes are able to afford the new technology before the switch-over occurs, 81% of those interviewed thought the switch-off would be unfair to those groups.

Although a large proportion (51%) believe that they will have digital television before the proposed switch-off date, 35% were unsure about exactly what effect the end of analogue would have on them. There is however an overall increase in knowledge about digital services compared to last month with 26% of people looking forward to having interactive facilities through their television sets.

CIA MediaLab: 0171 803 2000