Poll: Do you agree that Netflix users should have to pay BBC licence fee? Vote now
Poll: Do you agree that Netflix users should have to pay BBC licence fee? Vote now
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Should Netflix users really be forced to pay the BBC licence fee, even if they don't watch any of their channels?. Right now, you only need to stump up if you're viewing live programmes or using BBC iPlayer. But things could be changing, as the government is thinking about how to fund the Beeb after its current agreement – the Royal Charter – expires in 2027.
One option on the table is extending the licence fee to people who only use streaming services like Netflix or Disney+. And, according to reports, there’s also the possibility of replacing the TV licence with a subscription or advertising model instead.
They're also considering charging people who listen to BBC radio, and there could even be a tiered system for the licence fee to help lower-income households. Currently the TV licence costs £169.50 (rising to £174.50 this April), and it brings in about £3.7 billion a year, making up around 65% of the BBC’s total income in 2022/23.
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.”.
