POLL: Should there be a Netflix and Amazon licence fee to fund the BBC? Vote now
Plans are being discussed to expand the licence fee to cover streaming platforms in order to stabilise funding for the BBC.
Brits who watch shows and films on platforms such as Netflix and Amazon could be forced to pay for the TV licence fee anyway under plans to safeguard the BBC. According to industry sources, the government is favouring a licence fee that covers all streaming platforms rather than moving towards a model funded by adverts and subscriptions.
The BBC previously warned it was facing "managed decline" and plans are now being drawn up to ensure its future. Data released in March showed that only 80% of the British population paid the licence fee despite 94% using its services every month. Plans for an expanded licence fee, beyond iPlayer and live TV, would be able to reduce its cost. So what do you think? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section.
The BBC has seen a 25% drop in income over the last 10 years. This has seen the introduction of a £500 million cost-cutting programme that is expected to eliminate around 2,000 jobs over the next two years.
Under current rules, households need a licence to watch live TV on any platform or to use the BBC iPlayer. However, they do not require a licence to watch films, shows or live events on services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, told The House Magazine last year: "It is absolutely right that we explore subscriptions, but if you believe, as I do, that one of the BBC’s greatest strengths is its ability to unite a nation that has increasingly found ways to divide itself, then we need to approach subscriptions and paywalls with caution."
The BBC has dismissed plans to introduce advertising and subscription models, reportedly favouring an extended licence fee to households that use streaming services. The Government is now said to be considering the move which could stabilise funding for the BBC.
The BBC said: "The current licensing framework no longer reflects the viewing habits of many UK households. The television licence is based on the consumption of live TV content. However, on-demand viewing is exempt unless the content is accessed through BBC iPlayer."
