Brits are in an uproar over a potential BBC licence fee “scam” that might compel households to shell out for the fee, even if they don’t watch traditional TV. There’s buzz about the chance that fans of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ could be ensnared into paying the licence fee, despite not availing themselves of regular TV offerings.
With the BBC’s 11-year charter set to expire in December 2027, Sir Keir Starmer, HM Treasury, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are delving into alternative funding avenues for the broadcasting behemoth, which currently relies on the licence fee, bolstered by earnings from its commercial offshoots.
Sky News viewers have been vocal about their stance on the potential new policy. One viewer vehemently criticized the idea: “The BBC TV licence is a scam and needs to be stopped.
“There is no logical reason we still have to pay it. Even for those who watch ‘traditional TV’.”
Another added their two cents: “The licence fee – it’s like Sainsbury’s saying you owe them for the groceries you’ve just bought at Aldi. It’s nonsense”, reports Chronicle Live.
Another individual vented their exasperation: “How can they justify charging people to fund the BBC when I watch services such as Netflix and Disney because the BBC is garbage! I will not be paying any such licence!”
Some of the feedback was quite exaggerated, with one person exclaiming: “Not possible. TV licence was brought in for the BBC, they cannot add Netflix or any streaming service to it.
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“If they do, that breaks the law. Disgusting government in this country. I’d rather live in North Korea.”
There have been calls for the BBC to explore different funding models, with suggestions such as “shut up shop or start advertising” being voiced. Another individual pondered: “Why can’t the BBC just put adverts in their programmes to scrap the TV licence? We are all used to other channels doing it.”
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The substantial pay packets of some BBC stars also sparked debate, with a comment pointing out: “Has BBC thought about reducing their high wages? ” The commenter went on to say: “Their highly paid staff earn far higher than other professionals in other sectors of the economy. Is the public expected to keep funding this in this cost of living crisis?”
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