The BBC has said it is facing “permanent and irreversible” trends that mean it cannot survive without a major overhaul, as it revealed a stark divergence between the number of people consuming its content and those paying the licence fee. In its opening response to government talks over its future, the corporation said 94% of people in the UK continued to use the BBC each month, but fewer than 80% of households contributed to the licence fee.
Farewell, then - you were once a beaon to the world, but like many a great British institution, you've outstayed your welcome, as Longrider points out.
It said the rise of streaming services and digital platforms such as YouTube had caused blurring and confusion around when the licence fee needed to be paid, suggesting there was “a mismatch” between TV licence rules – based on watching live TV – and the nation’s viewing habits.
Yes, there is - but mostly, it's because we resent having to pay for you when we want to watch another channel which we have chosen to pay for. If I choose to drive to work, the tube doesn't get to stick their hands in my pocket and rummage around for my spare change; if it wants my custom back, it better be prepared to up its game and earn back my custom.
The BBC is also proposing to host the content of ITV, Channel 4 and other public service broadcasters on iPlayer in an attempt to create a British-based platform that can compete with the likes of Netflix and YouTube.
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, eh? Is this going to be instead of the licene fee, or on top of it?
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