ITV LAUNCHES ‘SWITCHOVER SURGERY’
ITV Granada is inviting viewers to have their questions about the digital switchover answered over the coming months. ITV’s Fred Talbot has begun a series of off-beat features on digital television for the flagship evening bulletin Granada Reports; and consumer affairs reporter Sarah Elliot is fronting a Q&A strand called Sarah’s Switchover Surgery. ITV is working with Digital UK to improve awareness and understanding of the switchover, which takes place in Granada late next year. Watch a clip at itvlocal.com/granada.
NINE OUT OF TEN NOW AWARE OF SWITCHOVER
Awareness of the switchover in the North West has reached 93%, according to new research from Digital UK and Ofcom. The study, carried out between October and December last year, indicates national awareness of switchover has reached 89%, up from 66% at the beginning of Digital UK’s public information campaign in May 2006. However, only 68% of viewers in the Granada TV region know how they need to prepare for the switch, and only 34% know it is happening next year. More from Digital UK
SWITCHOVER ON TRACK: NAO
A report by the National Audit Office declared that switchover was on track, with two-thirds of the population saying they understood how to get ready. The report, ‘Preparations for Digital Switchover’, found that 85% of households have already converted to digital, ahead of expectations, but that projected costs for the Digital Switchover Help Scheme could be reduced if future take-up across the UK mirrored that of Copeland. More work is also needed to ensure retailers can explain the meaning of the ‘digital tick’ logo, though three-quarters of consumers are already aware of it. Read the report summary
CHARITIES UNITE TO SUPPORT SWITCHOVER
Digital UK has joined forces with three of the UK’s leading charities to develop a groundbreaking partnership that will support viewers through switchover. The new organisation brings together Age Concern England, Help the Aged, Community Service Volunteers and Collective Enterprises Limited, a company specialising in working with the charity sector. The programme will offer help to those not eligible for the Digital Switchover Help Scheme, focusing on groups including older people, those with sensory, mobility or dexterity impairments, people with learning difficulties and the socially isolated. More from Digital UK
BBC SELECTS EAGA AS PARTNER FOR HELP SCHEME
The BBC has appointed eaga plc to deliver the Digital Switchover Help Scheme across the UK, including the North West. Eaga will contact each eligible person directly and deliver or install equipment in line with their particular needs. It will also provide the scheme contact centre. People eligible for the Help Scheme are those 75 and over, or in receipt of certain disability benefits, or registered blind or partially sighted. More from the BBC
Digital UK is the not-for-profit organisation leading the UK’s switch to digital television, which takes place in Granada in 2009. To find out more visit www.digitaluk.co.uk
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