NETFLIX and Amazon Prime subscribers could be forced to pay the TV licence fee, according to reports.
The expansion of the fee is being discussed as part of plans to protect the future of the BBC, according to the Times.
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The national broadcaster has warned it’s facing “managed decline” and has seen a 25% fall in its income over the last decade.
It’s already implemented a £500million savings plan, which is expected to lead to around 2,000 job losses, but more avenues are being considered to keep the BBC afloat.
Industry sources told The Times that the Government is considering extending the licence fee to include streaming platforms.
The annual licence fee rose to £180 in April.
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Under the current rules, households must pay the fee to watch live TV on any channel or to use BBC iPlayer.
The national broadcaster has reportedly argued that the fee could be reduced if more people paid it.
One streaming source told the paper: “It’s pretty desperate to argue that everyone should be made to pay for the BBC whether they watch it or not.
“The BBC needs to think more radically and creatively about how to generate income in ways that don’t undermine universal access.”
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Other options being considered include moving the BBC towards a subscription-based model or introducing advertising.
But Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has previously raised concerns about a subscription model, saying it could reduce the BBC’s ability to “unite the nation”.
Ministers also fear introducing advertising would damage commercial rivals like ITV and Channel 4.
The Jattvibe has reached out to the BBC and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for comment.
