[Keith]

I think the telling part of that article is the paragraph...

BBC sources said they expect linear TV, which was still widely valued, to continue into the 2030s but it was wise for the BBC to begin preparations now for a future digital transition.

So basically making preparations for that depends on what if anything replaces the current licence fee. It also covers for if Freeview were to close in the future.

That said, I could imagine the radio stations on Freeview being removed, with connected TVs using the Sounds app instead.