For immediate release
Responding to reports that streaming service users will have to pay the licence fee, John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:
“Forcing streaming service users to cough up the licence fee would truly be one of the most bonkers ideas ever concocted.
“Far from modernising the BBC’s funding system, it would only further entrench the already archaic nature of the hated TV tax.
“Lisa Nandy should stop kicking the can down the road and move the broadcaster onto a subscription service, with some taxpayer funding for essential programming such as the World Service”
TPA spokespeople are available for live and pre-recorded broadcast interviews via 07795 084 113 (no texts)
Media contact:
William Yarwood
Media Campaign Manager, TaxPayers' Alliance
[email protected]
24-hour media hotline: 07795 084 113 (no texts)
Notes to editors:
-
Founded in 2004 by Matthew Elliott and Andrew Allum, the TaxPayers' Alliance (TPA) campaigns to reform taxes and public services, cut waste and speak up for British taxpayers. Find out more at www.taxpayersalliance.com.
-
TaxPayers' Alliance's research council.
-
News that ministers are considering extending the licence fee to streaming service users was first reported by Bloomberg.
-
The TaxPayers’ Alliance has previously recommended that the BBC be moved onto a subscription service, with some limited taxpayer funding for essential programming. Full details of our proposals can be found here.
-
The TaxPayers’ Alliance produced its annual BBC Rich List in July of 2024 highlighting the salaries of senior executives, leaders and individuals with on-air roles.
- The TaxPayers’ Alliance will be launching a new monthly newsletter entitled ‘BBC Watch’ written by Duncan Barkes, a former BBC journalist and current host of the TPA’s A Nation of Taxpayers podcast.