At the time the BBC cited the proliferation of smartphone use, meaning less people are accessing news and sport via the Red Button. The BBC made the design to cull the services back in September, sparking an immediate backlash. The NFBUK said the decision “will leave many people, who are already vulnerable, further isolated and marginalised from society.” The petition wants “an immediate pause on the withdrawal of the BBC Red Button Teletext service planned for 30 January 2020” with a view to training and enhancing the service with an accessible speech option. The NFBUK argues the closure of the red button services affects those with sight issues, as well as the the elderly who may not have access to the internet (via BBC). The shutdown of the text portion of the service, which is the spiritual successor to Ceefax, will begin to close down from January 30, with further shutdowns scheduled over the next few weeks.Ī petition to save the services, organised by the National Federation of the Blind of the UK, has now been handed into both the BBC and 10 Downing Street. The BBC’s plans to imminently close Red Button services is the subject of a substantial protest, supported by over 100 organisations.

Bbc red button issues