End the license fee, save the BBC and rebuild proper journalism in the UK.

The policy proposal marks a significant shift in funding for the BBC by scrapping the current BBC license fee and replacing it with a new digital levy. Under this new system, the digital levy would be imposed on various services and products, including streaming services, mobile phone contracts, broadband contracts, as well as TV and radio equipment purchases. This change aims to modernise the funding model for the BBC and reflect the evolving media landscape.

One of the key aspects of this proposal is that the BBC would still receive the largest share of the funds generated by the new digital levy. This ensures that the BBC’s funding is protected, allowing it to continue providing its wide range of services, including broadcasting television and radio programs, producing online content, and delivering news coverage.

In addition to funding the BBC, the digital levy would also be allocated towards supporting new journalism and public service TV, radio, and websites throughout the UK. This provision aims to promote the growth of diverse voices in the national debate, allowing for a broader range of perspectives and opinions to be heard. By funding new journalism and public service media outlets, the proposal seeks to enhance the overall quality and diversity of media content available to the public.

One significant change resulting from this policy proposal is the elimination of the license fee and its associated punishments for non-payment. Currently, individuals in the UK who watch or record live television broadcasts or use the BBC iPlayer service are required to pay the license fee. Failure to pay the fee can result in penalties and even legal consequences. However, under the proposed system, this fee and its punitive measures would be removed.

Overall, the policy aims to modernize BBC funding, protect its financial stability, and promote the growth of new voices in the media landscape. By shifting from the license fee to a digital levy imposed on various digital services and products, the proposal reflects the changing ways in which people consume media while ensuring the continued provision of high-quality public service broadcasting in the UK.