The government has provided an update on the BBC TV Licence fee for users of Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Labour Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has ruled out extending the licence fee to streaming services, following calls from Tory MP Bradley Thomas to reject such a move.
Government Position on Streaming Levy
In the House of Commons, Nandy stated: “We have been very careful not to get drawn into speculation about the future funding arrangements for the BBC, except to say that we have ruled out a levy on streamers. We have also ruled out direct taxation going to fund the BBC, because of the need for the BBC to retain its independence.”
Streamers' Response
The Motion Picture Association, representing major US studios including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, submitted written evidence to MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. The trade association cautioned against any suggestion that third parties such as broadcasters’ VOD services and streaming providers play a role in the collection and enforcement of the licence fee.
BBC's Future Funding
Nandy previously described the BBC as “one of the two most important institutions in our country,” alongside the NHS. She emphasised the need to protect the BBC for the long term, stating: “While the terms, the structures and the funding for the BBC will continue to be negotiated every several years, we should seek to end the bizarre situation where if the charter isn’t agreed in time, the BBC ceases to exist.”
