Licence fee police may target you for watching TV on Net
By Paul Revoir
Last updated at 8:31 AM on 01st April 2009
Viewers who watch television only through their computers could be
forced to pay the licence fee, it has been revealed.
Currently, those who solely use catch-up services, such as the BBC's
iPlayer, do not need to pay the annual £139.50 charge.
But a law could be introduced to change this, amid growing evidence that
more television viewers are migrating online.
Possible new laws could see those who use online streaming paying a
licence fee for the privilege
Possible new laws could see those who use online streaming paying a
licence fee for the privilege
This change is already leading to suggestions that collecting the
compulsory licence fee could soon become impossible.
A review by the BBC's governing body, the BBC Trust, into the issue has
admitted it is unclear how many will switch entirely to internet
streaming as their 'sole method' of watching TV.
The BBC has already been accused of heralding the end of the licence fee
by broadcasting BBC1 and BBC2 'live' on the internet - a service
viewers are supposed to pay for.
The trust's chairman, Sir Michael Lyons, said there was little evidence
that people were deserting their TV sets to watch solely online.
But his committee's report said it was 'clear' this was already
happening in 'some segments' of society.
For example, research showed that 40 per cent of students in halls of
residence used a laptop as their main way to watch TV.
The study also admitted that some people might 'forgo live television
entirely' by watching catch-up services - such as the iPlayer.
The report said: 'Legislative change is likely to be required in order
to reflect technology changes in the licence fee regulations.
It added: 'There was some confusion surrounding the need for a licence
fee when using TV receiving equipment on PCs and mobiles.
'Many were unaware of the different laws surrounding watching on-demand
television, which does not need a licence, and live streaming of
material as it is broadcast, which does require a licence.'
The report also admitted that the BBC can be too heavy-handed and
'accusatory' in chasing up licence fee payments from viewers.
Feedback from market research had shown that its initial letters were
'too harsh'.
Sir Michael said the BBC should 'improve the tone' of its early dealings
with the public, especially those who do not have TVs.
Such households have reported being hounded with letters, home visits
and threats of legal proceedings even though they do not watch
television.
The BBC's management has welcomed the report and will look at making the
payment system easier.
LibDem culture spokesman Don Foster said: 'While the licence fee remains
the best way to pay for public service broadcasting at the moment, we
cannot ignore the fact that technology is radically changing the way
people watch television.
'We must look at whether the licence fee can keep up with technology as
part of the ongoing debate about how we pay for public service
broadcasting in the future.'
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Wednesday, 1 April 2009
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