https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/netflix-disney-bbc-licence-fee-b2688161.html
The government is reportedly looking into asking Netflix and Disney+ viewers to contribute to a licence fee to secure the future of the BBC.
As viewing habits evolve the government could consider funding options to support the broadcaster when it reviews the BBC’s current Royal Charter, which will end in 2027.
Sources told Bloomberg, options on the table include allowing the BBC to use advertising, creating a specific tax for streaming services or making BBC Radio listeners pay.
Rebecca Ryan, from pressure group Defund the BBC, called the possible move “opportunistic” and “desperate”.
She told The Independent: “Is there anything this government won’t tax?
“Streaming is not broadcast TV. What will be next, YouTubers, gaming or podcasts? It’s just a tax on entertainment.”
The discussions come after Culture minister Sir Chris Bryant said he wants a “massive production budget” for creating TV and films in the UK to remain part of the purpose of the BBC licence fee.
“I do want the streamers to come here. Tom Cruise has made massive investments in the UK,” he added.
“But I also want us to have a system where a British production company is commissioned by others to make something that where the Intellectual Property (IP), or some of the IP, remains with the production company. I kind of want a bit of both.”
The BBC licence fee, which the government has committed to increasing in line with inflation each year until 2027, is to rise to £174.50 in April.
The broadcaster has been cash-strapped in recent years following the licence fee being frozen for two years at £159 – before it was increased at a lower rate than the corporation expected, and rising inflation.
The last rise in the household payment, which funds much of the BBC’s operations, saw a £10.50 increase, which brought the charge to £169.50 in April 2024.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Breakfast that the licence fee was “not only insufficient, it’s raising insufficient money to support the BBC, but it also is deeply regressive”.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We want everyone to get value from the BBC, which is why we’re focused on delivering what audiences want from us – trusted news, the best homegrown storytelling and the moments that bring us together.
“The public cares about the BBC and this year, we will launch our biggest ever public engagement exercise so audiences can help drive and shape what they want from a universal and independent BBC in the future. We look forward to engaging with government on the next Charter and securing the long term future of the BBC.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Netflix and Disney+ have been approached for comment.
by Gamuitar
21 comments
So are we going to ask Asda to give to a fund to keep Tesco going? Get te fuck!!
Tom cruise has made investments? Oh aye here ilk definitely pay you money for nothing now..
Make the paedophile sympathiser and the weirdo scientologist money 👊💦
As long as their news reporting follows the same uncritical approach and politically conservative editorial lines, they won’t be getting a penny from me.
Shame because a lot of decent people work there and a lot of their classic programming really was/still is excellent.
A really good way to show that your product is a market leader is to threaten to jail people who choose not to subscribe to it
[The TV licence guy is going to come around](https://youtube.com/shorts/zNfd8BxTqcc?si=d-_30naMROcVQ-rm)
They already sneakily do this by mentioning the live broadcast services of Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ (which you do have to pay a TV licence for). But neglect to mention that if you don’t live broadcast at all, you don’t.
Some fucking chance. I’d just get rid of all streaming services and go back to being a full time pirate ☠️
Am thinking of doing it anyway, but this would be the push needed.
Nope. Next!
I have a massive collection of DVD’s I would happily go without than give the government propaganda wing any more money than I already do!
The BBC should be allowed to wither away.
The Irish government has been mulling over a similar thing for RTÉ, for a while now.
A broadcast charge they’re calling it.
It’s nonsense, no matter the jurisdiction.
Get them to try it 🤭..
even if you do watch bcc, why pay it?? its not like they can prove it
Hang on, they want money, so you can use another product unrelated to them?
Get to fuck, scabby bastards.
No thanks am not paying for this left wing propaganda outfit
Back to physical media I say
They can go fuck themselves. I’m not going to fund the pedo organisation.
I don’t intend to be forced to pay for the BBC. I pay enough for these other services.
Hahaha fuck right the way off. Money grabbing cunts. Do you watch TV? MONEY! Do you stream any live services to any non TV device? MONEY! Do you watch other non live services on any non TV devices? MONEY! Do you use a TV for gaming but nothing else….MONEY! 😂 Did you walk past Currys and look at that 64″ Samsung……MONEY!!!
Comments are closed.