News Release

1st September 2008

Switchover Help Scheme message gets television premiere

TWO NEW TV ADS promoting the
Switchover Help Scheme will be screened across the country this week,
helping to ensure that older and disabled people in the Borders know
what support is available to help them make the move to digital this
November.

The two warm and humorous ads will run on BBC TV from September 6.
One features a lady of nearly 80 and the other a blind man. Both of
them are telling friends how easy it was to switch to digital with the
Switchover Help Scheme.

The adverts will help raise further awareness of the Help Scheme, which could help as many as seven million people nationally.

The Switchover Help Scheme is well into its stride in Scottish
Borders with around 17,000 eligible older and disabled people being
offered practical help to switch one TV to digital in time for
switchover on November 20.

With more than two months still to go to switchover, already around
a quarter of people mailed by the Help Scheme have responded, either to
take up the support or to say they don't need help.

Everyone who is 75 or over, or an eligible disabled person will be
sent a Switchover Help Scheme letter and application pack setting out
the options for switching starting from £40, or for free for eligible
people who also receive certain income benefits.

Importantly, even if you do not need help, you should still let the
Help Scheme know so that we can be sure you're ready switchover.
Everyone who gets in touch, regardless of whether they need help or
not, will receive four free energy saving light bulbs as a thank you.

The number of installations in people's homes is rising every week,
and hundreds of people are also calling the dedicated Help Scheme
number for free on 0800 40 85 901,
to either apply, or to find out how the Help Scheme can make it easy to
go digital for a low cost. Eligible people can also nominate someone
else to make their application for them.

The Help Scheme offers eligible people equipment to switch one TV to
digital, installation, a demonstration of how it works and someone to
call while they're getting used to it.

Everyone who sends their application form back promptly will get help in plenty of time for final switchover on November 20.

To make sure everyone in Borders gets the message, the Help Scheme
has already run local radio and poster advertising and is working
alongside Digital UK with local charities and organisations to spread
the word.

Sumera Bashir, Help Scheme spokesperson, said: "We are urging
everyone who has had the letter and not yet responded to get in touch
as soon as possible to ensure they receive help quickly. People could
be enjoying the benefits of digital television in a matter of weeks if
they get in touch now."

Feedback from those who have already been helped by the Help Scheme
has been incredibly positive. All the installations quality checked so
far have achieved a 100% satisfaction rate.

The Help Scheme is run by the BBC through an agreement with the
Government, and has been designed around the needs of older and
disabled people. Equipment has been chosen to be easy to use, and
contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to
understand and respect older and disabled people. Installers are
vetted, carry identification and will never call without having made an
appointment.

ENDS