PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Phil Gilchrist
Date of Issue: February 1st 2007
Contact numbers:
0151
334 1923
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PRESS RELEASE |
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Digital changeover ‘will leave residents confused' warns Councillor A Wirral councillor has expressed concerns about the forthcoming digital TV changeover, warning that it will leave many residents confused and might not improve the poor quality reception in parts of the Borough. Phil Gilchrist, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Eastham ward, wants a Council watchdog committee to question TV industry reps on the digital switch due in 2009. Councillor Gilchrist said, “We need assurances that there will be improvements in signal strengths, that all advice will be clear, that high-tech jargon will get the chop, and that advice services will cope with the volume of enquiries. “I've had to replace several set top boxes, check my aerials, and work through this. Families will no doubt help their elderly relatives, and neighbours will help, but it's a huge undertaking. “TV reception is very poor in some areas of Wirral, and if people are being asked to cough up an average of over £130 for the switch, they expect to know whether it will lead to a better service.” Ofcom estimates it will cost each household around £132 to prepare for analogue switch off. The switch-off has been organised by ITV region; the Granada region is due to switch off in 2009. According to a Which? Online national survey: four in ten UK viewers are completely in the dark about about the switch to digital TV; only seven percent know what is happening in their area; and half the people surveyed did not realise that they will need a Freeview box, or Sky or cable for each TV in their home. Councillor Gilchrist will be moving a Notice of Motion at the next Full Council meeting on February 12, calling for representatives of the TV industry to attend an Overview and Scrutiny Committee to explain the changeover process, and seek guarantees that areas with poor reception will be identified, and seek the assistance of local media in publicising the changeover. To read the Which? survey click here To read the list of analogue switchoff dates area by area click here
Notice of Motion - Full Council 12 February 2007 Digital Transfer This Council recognises the intention of the broadcasting authorities to change TV transmissions in the Granada region to Digital signals and complete this in 2009. Council recognises that many residents, particularly the elderly, will be confused by this changeover, though is aware that publicity for the changeover has started. Council is also aware that existing signal strengths are not always of the best quality in parts of the Borough. Council therefore requests that the appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee should invite representatives of the industry to attend to explain the process, seek guarantees that all areas with poor reception and signal strength will be identified, and seek the assistance of local media in publicising this changeover so that it is carried out smoothly. Proposed by: Councillor Phil Gilchrist
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