Home > Media and Analysts > News Release Archive > 2007 > June > 13|06|07

13|06|07

Campaign needed to reach vulnerable as digital switchover begins

Ofcom’s Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People and Digital UK today jointly published research which highlights the potential impact of digital switchover on disabled, older, isolated and low income consumers.

Older, disabled, isolated and low income consumers rely heavily on television. Those most in need of support were shown to have financial hardship and low levels of existing support. Without support, these consumers will experience difficulty in preparing for an all digital television environment.

The research highlights the need for a targeted communications campaign to educate informal, formal, and voluntary support networks (such as family members, social service departments and voluntary agencies) about the importance of them reaching those most in need of help with switchover.

Respondents were generally unconcerned by switchover but this may reflect low understanding about the implications of converting or upgrading all television sets within the home. However, awareness of the process is high, particularly in the first areas to switch.

Digital UK is using the research to help shape its community outreach programme, including a partnership with charities and other support groups, to provide practical assistance directly to local communities.

Mike Whitlam, Chairman of the Ofcom Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People said: “This research provides a great insight into how digital switchover can be successfully achieved with this important group of people.

“The Committee calls upon relevant charities, social services, and others to work with Digital UK to ensure that the right advice and support is available for a straight forward switch to digital television.”

Ford Ennals, Chief Executive of Digital UK, added: “We are already working with a range of charities to ensure help is available to support older and disabled people through switchover. This research provides valuable insights into the particular needs of these groups and confirms the importance of that work.”

i2 Media Research was jointly commissioned by the Ofcom Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People and Digital UK to conduct the qualitative research report. ‘Digital Television Switchover and Disabled, Older, Isolated and Low Income Consumers’ is published today at: [link]

Ends.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Digital switchover is the process of changing the UK’s analogue terrestrial television system to digital television. Digital switchover will happen on a regional basis, with Whitehaven leading the UK's switchover to digital television in October 2007. Switchover will then take place on a region-by-region basis across the UK between 2008 and 2012, in accordance with the regional timetable set out by Government.

2. 77.2% of UK households already receive digital television on at least one television set within their home. However, everyone will need to convert or upgrade all their television equipment in the home to receive television at switchover.

3. The Ofcom Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People represents within Ofcom the interests and opinions of older and disabled people living in the UK to ensure that Ofcom’s policies and practices take their views into consideration on communications issues.

4. Digital UK is the independent, not-for-profit organisation leading digital television switchover in the UK. As part of the digital switchover process, those aged 75 and over or in receipt of disability living allowance or attendance allowance or registered blind or partially sighted and who need assistance, will receive help to convert one television set through the Government's Digital Switchover Help Scheme. Visit the Digital UK website for further information: www.digitaluk.co.uk.

5. Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.

6. Ofcom can provide documents to individuals in alternative formats (e.g. Braille, audiotape or large print) upon request.

Back to top