Taking the Knee for the BBC: Labour Government Commits to TV Licence Fee

The BBC is breathing a sigh of relief as the recently installed Labour Government has pledged to retain the TV licence fee until at least 2027.

Speaking during his recent trip to the NATO summit in Washington, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "There's going to be some more thought between now and [2027], but we are committed to the BBC and we are committed to the licensing arrangements."

Under current arrangements the BBC is funded almost entirely by the TV licence fee. Every year it receives the best part of £4bn on a silver plate, regardless of how woeful its content or sordid its scandal.

Legislation requires that the £169.50 annual fee is paid by households receiving "live" broadcast TV programmes on any TV channel. It is also needed to watch or download BBC on-demand programmes from the iPlayer.

The previous Conservative Government blew hot and cold on the future of the TV licence, but was actively exploring alternative revenue streams for the BBC.

A BBC spokesman said: "We remain totally focused on offering value to the public and will engage with the Government on funding at the appropriate time."

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Further anti-BBC reading:

• Is The True Or Did You Hear It On The BBC?, by David Sedgwick (aff. link)
• The BBC: Myth of a Public Service, by Tom Mills (aff. link)