Ministers consider extending TV licence to streaming platforms

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 07:57 · Archive

Ministers are considering extending the £180 annual TV licence fee to online streaming services including Netflix and YouTube.

People who watch Netflix or YouTube could be required to have a TV licence under proposals being considered as part of a shake-up of BBC funding. Ministers are reportedly looking at extending the £180 annual fee to online streaming services, potentially including Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

A White Paper on the renewal of the BBC's royal charter is expected before Christmas and will set out proposals for how the broadcaster should be funded and regulated from 2028. Arrangements under consideration have been dubbed a 'YouTube tax' because the site represents the largest online video platform in the UK.

A BBC spokesperson said the corporation has consistently argued that the current funding model is outdated and needs reform. The BBC said it would continue to engage with Government to secure a new charter that provides sustainable, sufficient and universal funding.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those paying it. The department stated that through charter review it is 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 said last month that he wants BBC News to be on streaming sites such as Netflix in a bid to reform how content is consumed and funded.

Ministers consider extending TV licence to streaming platforms — Image: Andover Advertiser

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How it is being reported

TV licence shake-up could see Netflix and YouTube viewers paying feeMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentAndover Advertiser · 17 Oct, 07:34
TV licence shake-up could see Netflix and YouTube viewers paying feeMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentBasingstoke Gazette · 17 Oct, 07:34
TV licence shake-up could see Netflix and YouTube viewers paying feeMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentRomsey Advertiser · 17 Oct, 07:34

In this story: BBC · Department for Culture, Media and Sport · Netflix · YouTube · Amazon Prime Video · Disney+ · Matt Brittin

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