BBC bosses are seeking alternative options surrounding how the current licensing model operates, which could include extending the charge.
Netflix viewers may have to pay the licence fee to stream BBC content (Image: Getty)
BBC bosses are considering various charges, including a fee to listen to its radio channels, to watch Netflix, and to use its website, in an effort to diversify its income streams. If the broadcaster follows through with the proposed plans, it will be the first time in 55 years that it will charge audiences to listen to its radio channels. Talks of increasing user fees for richer households are also under way.
UK households currently have to pay up to £175.50 for the licence fee to watch live TV or content available on BBC iPlayer. It is not required to listen to the radio, podcasts, or access the BBC‘s website. However, under the proposed fee extension, those who listen to radio stations or stream their content on the BBC could also have to pay up.
According to BBC figures, the number of licences in place has fallen from 24.1 million to 23.8 million over the past year, as people spend less time watching live TV and more time using streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
The licence fee model, which dates back to 1946, has increased by 20% over the last decade.
Though the BBC has argued that fee increases have been below inflation and is hoping to secure a new deal before next year, when the royal charter is up for renewal, reports The Sun.
Additionally, the broadcaster is reportedly considering increasing the number of households paying the fee and aligning it with a reduction in the average cost.
Completely scrapping the TV licence fee for audiences and simply charging people to watch shows such as Line of Duty and Top Gear was also proposed. As well as increasing the fee for richer households, so others can have their fee reduced.
The Government also suggested a subscription-style charge like Netflix, or advertising, though it is believed that BBC bosses weren’t interested in the suggestions.
A BBC insider told The Sunday Times: “Our priority is ensuring the BBC is sustainable as a universal public service beyond just the next few years.
“That shouldn’t mean the price for ordinary households goes up. We’re very sensitive to that pressure.
“Ministers have set out an ambitious agenda of what the BBC should be, and we are open to all ideas that, as the consultation says, ensure the organisation ‘not just survives, but thrives’ in this competitive media landscape.”
Bosses are also reportedly working on a new method to crack down on iPlayer users who are currently avoiding paying the licence fee by using tracking technology.
Danny Cohen, former director of BBC television, said: “It makes a lot of sense to use digital data to track who is using the BBC and who should be paying the licence fee.”
Those that caught watching live TV or use BBC iPlayer without paying the licence fee could be fined up to £1,000. It is usually enforced by inspections from a TV licensing officer who will apply the fine if they find programmes have been watched, recorded or streamed illegally.
A BBC spokesperson told The Express: “As the Green Paper states, the BBC will only be able to deliver for the public if it has a sustainable long-term funding model in place and that means reform. We recognise the cost of living pressures on the UK public, so we are exploring all options for funding the BBC so that we can provide great value to audiences while also being fairer, more modern, and more sustainable.”
