The United Kingdom is considering changes to the BBC license fee, potentially affecting households that only use streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. According to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday, this review is part of a broader plan to update the BBC’s funding model as the current charter approaches its expiration in December 2027.
At present, a TV license is not required for watching on-demand content. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, the Treasury, and the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport are evaluating several proposals. One option under discussion is extending the license fee to include streaming service users.
Other potential changes include allowing the BBC to introduce advertising, implementing a separate tax on streaming platforms, or requiring BBC radio listeners to contribute financially. Each of these alternatives aims to adapt the BBC’s revenue structure to the evolving media landscape.
As streaming services continue to dominate viewership habits, the government’s discussions seek to secure the BBC’s long-term financial stability. Any changes to the license fee model could significantly impact how UK residents access and fund public broadcasting.
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