# Andy Burnham enrages Brits with major TV change – ‘could bring Government down!’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/andy-burnham-enrages-brits-with-major-tv-change-could-bring-government-down/
- Published: 2026-11-06T08:27:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T09:42:15+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Express (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2263759/andy-burnham-enrages-brits-major-tv-change
- Topics: Entertainment, Government, Politics, TV, World

## Key points

- Ministers are considering ending Freeview by 2034 or 2044.
- Up to 5.4 million homes may lack suitable broadband.
- Burnham has raised concerns and a review may follow.

## Summary

The Government is consulting on a plan to replace Freeview with internet-delivered television, with 2034 as its preferred switch-off date and 2044 as a fallback. The proposal has drawn criticism from people concerned that an online-only system could exclude older viewers and households unable to afford or access reliable broadband.

Up to 5.4 million homes lack reliable high-speed broadband or cannot afford it, while more than 70 MPs have urged ministers to guarantee Freeview until at least 2044. Andy Burnham has said he is concerned about the 2034 target and suggested the plans may be reviewed. The Government says maintaining transmitters is costly as viewing habits change; the BBC and ITV support streaming, and the BBC warns it may cut programmes without the transition.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.