‘Premium’ subscriptions and universal household levy could fund BBC shake-up
Culture secretary John Whittingdale is to propose a radical shake-up of the BBC after warning that the organisation had become too big and unable to compete in an era dominated by streaming services such as Netflix.
In consequence Whittingdale is calling for the broadcaster to focus on its public service activities and retreat from its commercial role, a move which the broadcaster warns could see either Radio 1 or Radio 2 taken off-air.
Proposals for two new funding models to replace the TV licence fee have also been tabled; including a ‘premium’ subscription service for people wishing to view high quality dramas like Sherlock and a separate ‘core’ service for those paying a basic license fee.
Another idea is to impose a universal household levy to which every home in Britain would be obliged to contribute, together with reform of the existing TV licence fee to ensure that the rich pay more.
The plans are being drawn up ahead of a renewal of the BBC’s Royal Charter in 2016 but the BBC has warned the ideas would leave it ‘diminished’ and ‘less popular’.