The experimental phase ended in 1976 when EMI decided to pull out of funding the service, even though it was considered very popular and appeared to be flourishing.
With no access to its owned production resources the board of directors resolved to suspend regular programming operations but maintain Viewpoint's structure and registration as a company, pending a more favourable climate.
Broadcasting stopped temporarily at the end of April 1990, but continued intermittently with programmes made by volunteers over the next decade, and other forms of distribution such as VHS tape and screening in community venues were used.
Viewpoint continues to offer help, training and support to local people to enable them to make programmes and have their voices heard.
The station has been seen as unique in a number of ways; it is Britain's (and probably Europe's) first and longest running public-access television service, and is also notable for being owned by the public from its early years.