The BBC confirmed it would stop providing news and sport text services on the TV red button early next year. People will still be able to access other red button services, including picking a stage to watch at Glastonbury or a court to watch at Wimbledon. “Pensioners like my mother who do not use the internet, rely on the BBC Red button for local and national news.” Red button text launched in 1999, taking over when Ceefax was phased out. READ MORE: BBC in crisis: Broadcaster's future at risk over failure to adaptPeople aged over 75 will soon have their free TV licence scrappedA BBC spokesperson said: “From early 2020, viewers will no longer be able to access text-based BBC News and BBC Sport content by pressing red. Under the new rules, only low-income households where one person receives the pension credit benefit will still be eligible for a free licence.

Source: Express November 16, 2019 09:00 UTC