Fears that the Government plans to switch off traditional television broadcasts are growing after Ministers slipped out a “ridiculously flawed” report suggesting viewers backed the idea. Campaigners argue that ending digital terrestrial television services received through an aerial would leave millions unable to watch their favourite shows, with the elderly most affected.

But the Government has published research which says many viewers are “unconcerned” about a potential switch off, which would mean receiving TV shows through the internet instead – even though only 100 people were asked for their opinion. It came as BBC Director General Tim Davie urged the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to axe terrestrial television broadcasts and switch entirely to online services such as BBC iPlayer, known as Internet Protocol (IP) television.

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Mr Davie said in a speech: “We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success.

“There are huge benefits, financially and socially, and we want to play our part, working with Government, with our sector and beyond to help – building trust that a digital world can work for all.”

Current legislation means terrestrial TV is safe until 2034 but the Government is holding a consultation about whether to end it after that.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport has published research conducted by London firm “Revealing Reality” which suggests viewers would “adapt”. Researchers asked 100 people for their views but only 27, around a quarter, were over the age of 65 – despite the fact that every public survey is clear that terrestrial TV is disproportionately used by older generations, especially those over 75 and above.

Almost a third of the sample were from London, despite the capital city forming a much smaller proportion of the UK population.

And fewer than a third of the survey were from the least wealthy households when every national survey is clear that terrestrial TV is disproportionately enjoyed by these groups

Perhaps it is no surprise that only half the sample said they depended on terrestrial TV with the other half using streaming services already.

Dennis Reed, Director of campaign group Silver Voices, said: “This research is ridiculously flawed, with only 100 people being interviewed. Half of them were already on IP television so it’s hardly a representative sample.

“The figures are so small that you can’t place any trust in them.

“What I’m worried about is, are the Government and BBC basically in cahoots about scrapping digital terrestrial television while going through the motions of a consultation?

“It’s very worrying and what it means is that millions of people who either can’t afford broadband or don’t want it are going to be left without TV. It’s intolerable that such a major decision is being advanced under a cloak of stealth.”

Ministers have insisted that no decision has been made. Culture Minister Stephanie Peacock said in a written House of Commons answer: “Parliament has already legislated to secure the continuity of digital terrestrial television until at least 2034.

“Department for Culture, Media and Sport is currently undertaking a project to evaluate the future distribution of television as the sector continues to evolve over the next decade. Before any decision is made in relation to the availability of services beyond 2034, close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, and especially those who rely on digital terrestrial television as their primary means of watching television.”