NetFlix TV Licence?

TV Licence Fee Rises Again – What About Netflix and Amazon?

As of April 1, the annual cost of a UK TV licence has gone up by £5, bringing the new total to £174.50 per year – that’s roughly £14.50 a month. The BBC says the rise is in line with inflation, but for millions already squeezed by high energy bills and the cost of living crisis, it’s another unwelcome expense.

Meanwhile, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime continue to grow – and unlike the BBC, they don’t currently require a licence fee. But that may be about to change. Will homes watching Netflix need a NetFlix TV Licence?

According to a report by T3, the Government is considering expanding the TV licence model to include streaming platforms. With the BBC’s royal charter set to expire in 2027, discussions are underway about how to futureproof the broadcaster’s funding model in a rapidly shifting media landscape.

So the question is no longer just should we be paying for live TV this way? — it’s now will we soon be paying the licence fee for streaming too?

Note You do not need a TV licence if you:

• Only watch on-demand content (excluding BBC iPlayer) on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ITVX, All 4, or YouTube.
• Do not watch or record any live broadcasts.

However, be cautious: some streaming platforms now offer live content. For example, Netflix has introduced live events like WWE broadcasts. Watching these live events without a TV licence could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Let us know what you think. Is it time for a new funding model altogether?

Jonathan