Labour leader faces criticism for ruling out Netflix-style subscription for BBC
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a backlash after stating that Labour will maintain the £169.50 TV licence fee, dismissing calls for a Netflix-style subscription model for the BBC. Former Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has initiated a review into funding models ahead of the BBC Charter renewal in three years.
PM reaffirms commitment to current funding model
Despite growing calls for a shake-up, PM Sir Keir Starmer emphasized his dedication to preserving the £169.50 licence fee. He mentioned that there will be further considerations on funding leading up to the Charter renewal, stating, "We've committed in our manifesto to obviously the BBC and to the licensing scheme."
Funding review amidst digital age challenges
Lucy Frazer, the Culture Secretary under the Tory government, is conducting a review to ensure the BBC's sustainability in the digital era. Critics advocate for funding public service programmes through taxation, proposing that viewers should pay for premium shows like Strictly Come Dancing.
Decline in TV viewership and licence fee uptake
The weekly reach of broadcast TV dropped from 83% in 2021 to 79% in 2022, with licence fee uptake decreasing by 1.7 million from its peak of 26 million in 2018. The BBC stated that they are focused on providing value to the public and will discuss funding with the government when appropriate.
