Government Must Ensure No One Left Behind By Digital Switchover

Cymraeg
English

Eleanor Burnham <info@eburnham.org.uk>

Government Must Ensure No One Left Behind By Digital Switchover - Burnham & Williams

September 15, 2005 5:20 PM

Eleanor Burnham AM and Roger Williams MP today called on the Government to ensure that no-one in Wales would be left behind by the digital switchover. The Welsh Liberal Democrats spokespersons on broadcasting made their call on the Government ahead of the Secretary of State Tessa Jowell's expected announcement of the timetable for digital switchover next week.

Mrs Burnham said "I am proud of the fact that Wales will be at the forefront of Digital switchover but the issues of coverage, affordability and information for the poor and vulnerable must be addressed now.

"Digital is going to be expensive for everyone, particularly the poor and vulnerable. Every TV and video set will require a digital receiver. The BBC have a £400m digital fund in place to help the vulnerable. We want to know what steps the Government will take to make the digital switchover easy and affordable for everyone.

"We don't want a repeat of the pub licensing fiasco. People need clear and accurate information, and sensible planning from the Government, if everybody is to be able to enjoy the benefits the digital switchover."

Roger Williams MP added, "At present, 36,000 homes in Wales cannot access Welsh Public Service Broadcasting. This is totally unacceptable. The onus rests on DCMS to ensure that everyone in Wales has equal access to Welsh Public Service Broadcasting. The digital switchover and the emergence of new technology such as Freesat provide the perfect opportunity to redress this. The Government has no excuse not to make this commitment of the people of Wales."