TV licence could extend to Netflix and YouTube under review
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 18:02 · Archive
Ministers are considering extending the £180 TV licence to online streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. The proposals would prevent people avoiding payment by watching content on phones, laptops and tablets rather than televisions. The arrangements have been dubbed a 'YouTube tax' because the site represents the largest online video platform in the UK.
A White Paper on the renewal of the BBC royal charter is expected before Christmas, setting out how the broadcaster will be funded and regulated from 2028. The BBC said in a statement: 'We have consistently argued that the current funding model is outdated and needs reform.' The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: 'The BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those that are paying it. Through charter review, we are looking at a range of options, including how the licence fee could be reformed, but no final decisions have been made.'
BBC director-general Matt Brittin previously stated that the broadcaster is 'held back' by a licence fee that is 'no longer fit for purpose', suggesting a household levy as an alternative option. Brittin said he wants BBC News to be on streaming sites such as Netflix in a bid to reform how content is consumed and funded.
How it is being reported
- TV licence could soon be needed to watch YouTube and Netflix under new plansMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentNW Evening Mail · 16 Oct, 17:29
- TV licence could soon be needed to watch YouTube and Netflix under new plansMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentWestmorland Gazette · 16 Oct, 17:29
- TV licence could soon be needed to watch YouTube and Netflix under new plansMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentWhitehaven News · 16 Oct, 17:29
In this story: BBC · Department for Culture, Media and Sport · Netflix · YouTube · Amazon Prime Video · Disney+ · Matt Brittin · United Kingdom
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