Campaign needed to reach vulnerable as digital switchover begins

[BGonaSTICK]

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.”

[nanochickin]

“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.”

I agree with this one completely Stick

I had to sort my mum out with this. Shes 69 years old and daft as a brush but she was well chuffed when i set her TV up with a cheepo Matsui freeview box. She wouln't have had a clue if i hadn't done it for her. :?

I still have to tune in new channels for her when they come out

Most older people will have difficulty with this so its something that needs to be looked at IMHO

Mind you though she was dead set against me bolting a big dish to the side of her bungalow which would have given her a lot more to look at



Nano

[Jimdefruit]

She hasn't seen the naughty channels on your system has she Nano?

[nanochickin]

She'd probably have a heart attack if she did

Mind you i know someone who has the code generator for TV X

[BGonaSTICK]

I question whether all these expensive 'awareness campaigns' really do that much good.

Not wanting to sound too stereotypical, but the folks who are either anti-digital or who are still just unaware (...or are "don't want to know" head/sand types) are not necessarily the sort of people who are going to respond well to a series of slick promotions.

Maybe it would be better to just bite the bullet and do a 'channel 5' type storming of everyone's house and install some cheap Freeview boxes for people that need them. Job done - we could all get switched to digital over the August 2007 bank holiday weekend and be done with it.

[Jimdefruit]

I can't get digi from my local transmitter. I would have to swing my aerial around to point the other way but then am I bothered?

Sometime before 2012, I assume things will change and I will save myself a job by not moving the aerial.

Between all the sat channels I am already over telvisioned.