Previously those without a TV licence didn’t have to pay for one if they were only accessing catch-up TV however it seems things are soon to change if the secretary of state for culture and media gets his way.
“The BBC works on the basis that all who watch it pay for it.
Giving a free ride to those who enjoy Sherlock or Bake Off an hour, a day or a week after they are broadcast was never intended and is wrong. When the licence fee was invented, video on demand did not exist.
Having discussed this with the BBC and the BBC Trust, I will be bringing forward, as soon as practicable, secondary legislation which will extend the current TV licensing regime, not only to cover those watching the BBC live but also those watching the BBC on catch-up through the iPlayer.”
said John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture and media.
A BBC spokeswoman said:
“We are happy to have reached an agreement with the Secretary of State on how to close the iPlayer loophole. Its swift closure will help give the BBC funding certainty.”
