United Kingdom

Ministers confirm death of BBC license fee News

The government has officially signaled the death of the BBC’s license fee by pledging to revise the corporation’s 100-year financing model.

Ministers announced the first significant change in broadcasting laws in nearly 20 years, with BBC reform at the top of the agenda.

In a 42-page white paper, the government said it would set a schedule for reviewing the license fee in the coming months, during which other options will be considered.

The document says there are “clear challenges to the sustainability of the license fee” on the horizon, not least the streaming revolution, which has led to fewer people choosing to pay for BBC services.

Ministers warned that if no action is taken, the number of license fee refusals will increase