‘Champions’ help with digital TV switch
Some 26 men and women have been deployed around the country to assist elderly people, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups to make the switch from analogue to digital ahead of “Wipeout Wednesday” on Oct 24.
Bingo halls, retirement groups, St Vincent de Paul, and other charities have all been visited in a bid to reach out to thousands of people who still view television channels via an aerial.
The digital champions began their drive in March under the Government-led Community Outreach Digital Switchover Programme, coordinated by voluntary organisation The Wheel, in association with Irish Rural Link.
The Wheel’s programme director, Dónall Geoghegan, said a lot of concern has built up in relation to the switchover. “We have been taking a gentle but urgent approach with people, telling them that they do need to switch but that it is something that will help them rather than something they need to be scared of,” he said.
“Our target group are those who are older and socially isolated, particularly people who may be living alone. Many might not get out of the house much and the television is very important to them.
“We are aiming to reach members of the community who are a bit scared and bamboozled by it all and who are unlikely to make the switch without some help and support.”
Some television retailers have reported elderly people coming to them upset at not knowing whether they need new televisions, set top boxes, or both.
Of the estimated 250,000 people still using analogue, 50,000 are in The Wheel’s primary target group
Age Action spokesman Gerard Scully said: “There are concerns out there. But the network of champions set up through the Irish Rural Link and The Wheel has helped in getting the message out to people.”
* For a list of local champions see www.wheel.ie or for more information on the switch local 1890 940980.
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