Ministers consider TV licence fee extension to Netflix and YouTube
Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 06:00 · Archive
Ministers are considering extending the £180 annual TV licence fee to online streaming platforms including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video to prevent people avoiding payment by watching on phones, laptops and tablets. 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.
Arrangements under consideration have been dubbed a 'YouTube tax' because the site represents the largest online video platform in the UK. The proposals would expand the fee to services currently exempt from the licence requirement.
The BBC said: 'We have consistently argued that the current funding model is outdated and needs reform. We will continue to engage with Government to secure a new charter that provides sustainable, sufficient and universal funding so the BBC can deliver for audiences for generations to come.' BBC director-general Matt Brittin has previously stated that the broadcaster is 'held back' by a licence fee that is 'no longer fit for purpose', and has suggested a household levy as an option.
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.' 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.
How it is being reported
- Netflix and YouTube users could soon have to pay TV licenceMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentSwindon Advertiser · 18 Oct, 04:54
- Netflix and YouTube users could soon have to pay TV licenceMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentWiltshire Times · 18 Oct, 04:54
- Netflix and YouTube users could soon have to pay TV licenceMinisters are considering plans to extend the £180 fee to online streaming platforms to prevent people avoiding paymentGazette & Herald · 18 Oct, 04:54
- 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 paymentSalisbury Journal · 17 Oct, 07:34
In this story: BBC · Department for Culture, Media and Sport · Matt Brittin · Netflix · YouTube · Amazon Prime Video · Disney+ · United Kingdom
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