TV Licence and Radio

A surprising number of visitors come to us seeking advice about whether they need a TV licence to listen to radio.

No joke.

The law requires that a licence is obtained for those properties where equipment is used to receive television programme services. In simple terms that means you need a licence to watch TV programmes on any channel available to others in the UK at the same time.

Many moons ago, in a time long before lecherous old perverts stalked the corridors of TV Centre, there was something called the Broadcast Receiving Licence. At its 1922 inception the licence covered the reception of radio programmes, as there was no television service at that stage. In 1946 the licence was extended to cover the reception of VHF 405-line monochrome television programmes. In 1964 the first UHF-625 line colour television programmes were broadcast on BBC Two. On 1st January 1968 a "colour supplement" was added to the licence fee for the first time. On 1st February 1971 to radio-only portion of the licence was abolished and the TV-only licence came into existence. That's the way it has been ever since.

Contrary to any subliminal messages you may have heard from TV Licensing's PR harlots, you certainly do not require a TV licence to listen to radio.

Remember that anyone not requiring a TV licence is under no legal obligation to communicate or co-operate with TV Licensing at all. Ignore their letters. Say nothing and slam the door on their cold-calling goons.