15 h. ago Recent ‘tough period’ is not the real existential threat facing the BBC

Shifting media landscape and declining income from licence fee point to tough financial choices aheadAs understatement goes, Tim Davie appeared to have mastered it as he presented the BBC’s annual report. Questions poured in over whether he had ever considered his position as a succession of problems landed on his desk this year. In response, he acknowledged he and the BBC had faced a “tough period”.The failure to cut a Glastonbury livestream, missed opportunities to address the behaviour of former presenter Gregg Wallace and criticism over its handling of two Gaza documentaries have seen a huge amount of opprobrium heading the BBC’s way in recent weeks. Continue reading...

Events

18 h. ago BBC says TV licence fee reform may be the future as 300,000 households refuse to pay

BBC's annual report suggests that the broadcaster is looking for the 'best future funding model'.

Politics

20 h. ago BBC licence fee overhaul as 300,000 more Brit households stop paying it

The annual report published today says the battle with its streaming rivals like Netflix has created "a moment of real jeopardy for the sector" as the BBC's reputation continues to dwindle

Politics

7 d. ago Who gets a free TV licence? Full list of exemptions for paying BBC licence fee in 2025

The people who could get a free TV licence - or exemptions 👀

Politics

9 d. ago The Guardian view on the BBC’s future: the broadcaster’s independence and funding face challenges | Editorial

Lisa Nandy’s call for a modern Annan-style review offers a chance to renew the broadcaster for a fragmented digital ageThe BBC will soon charge US users for full news access. In Britain, it may seem a distant prospect, but if universality can be dropped abroad, how long before it’s tested at home? With the BBC’s charter due for renewal in 2027, the funding debate is intensifying. What becomes of the licence fee will define the broadcaster’s future.There is increased scrutiny of Auntie’s independence and impartiality after political pressure was applied through censure, funding freezes and contentious board appointments. What the BBC should look like in a fragmented media landscape is uncertain. A big question is whether the licence fee levied on households should be replaced by subscription, limited advertising or public funding. The last option is surely a non-starter, opening the door to more direct political control. Carrying adverts would force the BBC to compete with other broa...

Politics

1 week ago BBC Wimbledon coverage cut off minutes in as fans fume 'waste of licence fee'

Viewers watching the 2025 Championships at Wimbledon on the BBC were left fuming after the coverage inexplicably cut out during Novak Djokovic's second-round match

Politics

1 week ago BBC Wimbledon fans fume 'wasting our licence fee' just minutes into coverage

BBC viewers were left fuming just minutes into the coverage of Wimbledon on Thursday

Politics

1 week ago New call to scrap TV licence fee for every person over State Pension age

Only older people over 75 on Pension Credit are exempt from paying the £174.50 TV licence fee.

Politics

2 w. ago BBC TV licence fee slashed to £0 for state pensioners born in specific years

You need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV, or if you watch anything on BBC iPlayer - but state pensioners who are over the age of 75 and get Pension Credit don't have to pay for a TV licence

Economics

3 w. ago Four groups of people who don't need to pay BBC TV licence fee

The majority of people in the UK need to pay £174.50 fee to watch live TV and catch-up content on BBC iPlayer.

Politics