UK reviews BBC fee for Netflix and Disney+ homes
The UK government is considering extending the BBC license fee to households that exclusively use streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ as part of a review to modernize the public service broadcaster's funding model. This option is being discussed by the Prime Minister's office, the Treasury, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Key Takeaways
- Households that exclusively use Netflix and Disney+ could be brought into the BBC license fee system.
- The proposal is part of a broader review of how the UK funds the BBC.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, the Treasury, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are discussing the options.
- Bloomberg said the discussions are internal government deliberations and cited people familiar with the matter.
Why It Matters
If the UK extends the BBC license fee to streaming-only homes, it would broaden the pool of households tied to public-service broadcasting costs beyond traditional TV users. For streaming platforms, the immediate issue is that subscriber households could face a new public charge linked to use of Netflix or Disney+. The broader signal is that UK policymakers are looking at funding rules that reflect streaming consumption rather than broadcast-only viewing. Watch for which option survives the review and whether streaming applications are explicitly included in the final proposal.
Read full article at bloomberg.com
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