Policy Briefing on the BBC Licence Fee Settlement Published

The Media Reform Coalition (MRC) produced a second briefing document based on the UK Media Influence Matrix report and MRC’s Manifesto for a People’s Media, addressing the issue of the BBC licence fee.

The briefing summarizes the UK government’s recent proposals for the licence fee, assesses its motivations and consequences, and identifies some potential action points. 

It states that the proposed settlement is likely to lead to a substantial shortfall in BBC funding. Any cuts in provision as a result of the decreased funding is likely to be felt disproportionately by the poorest parts of the population. 

The potential actions to oppose the cuts to BBC funding described by the document include, among other things, launching a petition declaring the public’s willingness to pay for public service broadcasting; pointing out that relief for the poorest households paying for the TV licence could easily be organised; and launching an Early Day Motion calling on the government to explore longer-term and fairer alternatives.