BBC iplayer now linked to licence?

Looks as if BBC has linked its Iplayer login to the TV licence. Our licence expired three days ago and we now get the 'network error' notice when we tried to log in -- not that we bother much with it, and given the Beeb's woke content and increasing repeats we're thinking of going to streaming anyway.

Edited by Malwaremike (Sun 03-Aug-25 18:12:37)

How do they do the linking? Have you had to type in your TV licence serial number somewhere?

More likely you have a fault, as that would have been a big change reported widely.

No, never typed licence number. I think the block maybe linked to my IP which hasn't changed for ages, BBC presumably logs IP on occasions where I have signed in for iPlayer and links it to licence. Hopefully it is network issue as you suggest, but going from iplayer to commercial channels, Youtube etc all work fine.

In reply to a post by Malwaremike:

BBC presumably logs IP on occasions where I have signed in for iPlayer and links it to licence.

That just won't work.. too many networks use CG NAT where thousands of customers are behind a single IP. Unless they had a login system that asked for your licence number, they have no way of doing this.

Try rebooting your router box, if you are on dynamic IP (most people are) this might give you a different one and fix the problem.

In reply to a post by Malwaremike:

Looks as if BBC has linked its Iplayer login to the TV licence. Our licence expired three days ago and we now get the 'network error' notice when we tried to log in -- not that we bother much with it, and given the Beeb's woke content and increasing repeats we're thinking of going to streaming anyway.

It's not linked to the license, they have no way of achieving that, and you've misdiagnosed a fault you're having with something else that you probably want to believe is true.

In reply to a post by Malwaremike:

Looks as if BBC has linked its Iplayer login to the TV licence. Our licence expired three days ago and we now get the 'network error' notice when we tried to log in -- not that we bother much with it,

Where did you get that idea from?

In reply to a post by Malwaremike:

and given the Beeb's woke content

why place such a comment, were you expecting a reaction.

Watching iPlayer has required a TV license for quite some time, so I'm not sure why you seem surprised?

What utter rubbish, you are just linking a problem to what you want it to be rather than the actual cause

Edited by MattJessop (Mon 04-Aug-25 11:56:56)

@jchamier
Turned off router overnight and iplayer came up instantly this am. Looks as if it was a fault as you suggest. Since FTTP service has become so fast and reliable compared to my early dial-up days ( remember Toucan and its amazing 2MB) that I have taken it for granted, forgetting that there's a vast network behind it. Thanks everyone for your help and advice.

It's also very much not in the BBCs interest to try and paywall the iPlayer based on license payment, as it's then gone a long way to creating a ready-to-go subscription model that they are keen to avoid at all costs.

Never had to put a license number in, so hardly linked.

In reply to a post by Malwaremike:

Looks as if BBC has linked its Iplayer login to the TV licence. Our licence expired three days ago and we now get the 'network error' notice when we tried to log in -- not that we bother much with it, and given the Beeb's woke content and increasing repeats we're thinking of going to streaming anyway.

I'm skeptical they've linked it. It's more likely they will feed your use of iPlayer to TV licensing an you could end up with a warrant or court case with iplayer evidence. You're handing it to them on a platter.. Try watching S4C possibly (This is not legal advice so check first but see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_licensing_i... for why I said that)

If you use iplayer for bbc content.. you should pay.. like it or not..

seb

There is no automated way of linking to license, it would have to be a manual process of where you enter the details.

In reply to a post by seb:

It's more likely they will feed your use of iPlayer to TV licensing an you could end up with a warrant or court case with iplayer evidence.

TV licensing would need some way of linking IP address to postal address to check licensing status. As far as I know that would require a court order, which couldn't be granted in this case since there's no way of knowing which IP addresses haven't paid for a licence.

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

TV licensing would need some way of linking IP address to postal address to check licensing status. As far as I know that would require a court order, which couldn't be granted in this case since there's no way of knowing which IP addresses haven't paid for a licence.

And CGNAT would throw a huge spanner in the works anyway

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

In reply to a post by seb:

It's more likely they will feed your use of iPlayer to TV licensing an you could end up with a warrant or court case with iplayer evidence.

TV licensing would need some way of linking IP address to postal address to check licensing status. As far as I know that would require a court order, which couldn't be granted in this case since there's no way of knowing which IP addresses haven't paid for a licence.

No. Your BBC iPlayer account asks for your postcode - https://account.bbc.com/account/settings - I *think* that was compulsory as I wouldn't have entered it otherwise..

Also they could find your e-mail address linked to your identity in other databases.. remember those 'e-mail age verification' things where they can tell you've over 18 from e-mail? it's probably because they cross reference your data in other systems.

I saw some suggestion online that they were feeding this data to TV Licensing - I actually asked directly from the data company they used as I recall and they claimed not to have any data on me..

(I can use iPlayer legally as I am in a household with a license which may have changed things)

In reply to a post by seb:

No. Your BBC iPlayer account asks for your postcode

Postcodes can cover from 1 to 150+ individual dwellings.

In reply to a post by seb:

No. Your BBC iPlayer account asks for your postcode - https://account.bbc.com/account/settings - I *think* that was compulsory as I wouldn't have entered it otherwise..

Also they could find your e-mail address linked to your identity in other databases.. remember those 'e-mail age verification' things where they can tell you've over 18 from e-mail? it's probably because they cross reference your data in other systems.

I just created a new BBC account with an email address from https://temp-mail.org/ and a random postcode from https://www.doogal.co.uk/. I'm not asked to prove the postcode is mine, and the email address isn't associated with anything.

In reply to a post by seb:

No. Your BBC iPlayer account asks for your postcode - https://account.bbc.com/account/settings - I *think* that was compulsory as I wouldn't have entered it otherwise..

Also they could find your e-mail address linked to your identity in other databases.. remember those 'e-mail age verification' things where they can tell you've over 18 from e-mail? it's probably because they cross reference your data in other systems.

I saw some suggestion online that they were feeding this data to TV Licensing - I actually asked directly from the data company they used as I recall and they claimed not to have any data on me..

(I can use iPlayer legally as I am in a household with a license which may have changed things)

I have a BBC account for BBC Sounds, not that I use it that often these days, but I use a postcode that is not mine and the email is a Yahoo one.
The people who have had emails saying they are using Iplayer when they say they don't have a license are those that uses the same email to register a BBC account as they used to tell the TVL they don't need a license.

I just don't tell TVL anything, I just let them carry on sending me letters, not that I use Iplayer, but I know someone who does and don't have a TV licence.

The other way is to use a different email address to tell TVL you don't need a licence to the one you register for a BBC account.

But Iplayer is certainly not linked to your licence.

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

I just created a new BBC account with an email address from https://temp-mail.org/ and a random postcode from https://www.doogal.co.uk/. I'm not asked to prove the postcode is mine, and the email address isn't associated with anything.

No, you are asked to prove it is yours, I have used a postcode that is different to mine for years, not that I use the account much these days, got it for BBC sounds.
I do get fed up with the BBC asking us to sign in when we look at their news site.
Why would I want to do that?

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

I do get fed up with the BBC asking us to sign in when we look at their news site.
Why would I want to do that?

The BBC want the same statistics as commercial organisations... and they're allowed to on the internet. This is why their "sounds" doesn't work on Apple's smart speakers... as apparently Apple won't give stats on who is listening. Rubbish really.

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

you are asked to prove it is yours

I wasn't.

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

I have a BBC account for BBC Sounds, not that I use it that often these days, but I use a postcode that is not mine and the email is a Yahoo one.
The people who have had emails saying they are using Iplayer when they say they don't have a license are those that uses the same email to register a BBC account as they used to tell the TVL they don't need a license.
I just don't tell TVL anything, I just let them carry on sending me letters, not that I use Iplayer, but I know someone who does and don't have a TV licence.
The other way is to use a different email address to tell TVL you don't need a licence to the one you register for a BBC account.
But Iplayer is certainly not linked to your licence.

My point was there's a link reportedly.. i.e. using iplayer e-mail with TV Licensing.. linked or not there are ways..
In the end if you use iPlayer (save for S4C or any exception which may apply) you SHOULD have a license.
If you don't have a need for a licence then by all means tell TVL where to go.

I've been harassed by TVL before and got quite annoyed before moving into the property (didn't need a licence) so ended up telling them not to turn up to my door and leaving them blanked for a while. I don't like their attitude of threatening letters.

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

In reply to a post by seb:

No. Your BBC iPlayer account asks for your postcode - https://account.bbc.com/account/settings - I *think* that was compulsory as I wouldn't have entered it otherwise..

Also they could find your e-mail address linked to your identity in other databases.. remember those 'e-mail age verification' things where they can tell you've over 18 from e-mail? it's probably because they cross reference your data in other systems.

I just created a new BBC account with an email address from https://temp-mail.org/ and a random postcode from https://www.doogal.co.uk/. I'm not asked to prove the postcode is mine, and the email address isn't associated with anything.

Yeah but most dumb people will not think and will use their own postcode or same e-mail address

In reply to a post by seb:

Yeah but most dumb people will not think and will use their own postcode or same e-mail address

Quite possibly so. But in general it makes it difficult to convince a judge that the data they hold is of sufficient quality to obtain a court order to obtain a user's postal address for watching iPlayer illegally, when using false unverified information is so easy.

Nevertheless, we are entering an era where proving identity before accessing services is becoming more commonplace, so this is likely to be a fluid situation.

In reply to a post by seb:

Yeah but most dumb people will not think and will use their own postcode

Shouldn't that be 'honest'? Personally I don't consider telling the truth to be dumb. Admittedly it's an approach that has seen me in hot water quite a few times during my life e.g. when asked "Do you like this dress, does it look good on me"

As for iPlayer, I was asked for my details several years ago and to affirm the details and that I still have a licence about 6 months ago. I use BBC content and particularly like the verified channel BBC verified news coverage.

In reply to a post by jchamier:

The BBC want the same statistics as commercial organisations... and they're allowed to on the internet. This is why their "sounds" doesn't work on Apple's smart speakers... as apparently Apple won't give stats on who is listening. Rubbish really.

They want statistics on who read their news? That is pathetic, that is what really annoys me these days, everyone wants to know who you are, even supermarkets these days.
Can't we not go back to the days when we can just do things without companies, corporations and even government wanting to know if you went for a pee today?

Okay, may not bet that bad, but it seems to be getting that way. We had a meeting at work with my manager a couple of days ago, and they were saying about their loyalty card, and we were asked who have the app on their phone, I said no and got a lecture about why I should have it. just in case you don't know, I work in a supermarket. i got a worse lecture when I said I did to even have the card and did not because I don't agree with the spying on what we buy, and when.
They were not happy when I said I don't normally shop there anyway.

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

you are asked to prove it is yours

I wasn't.

Sorry, that should have been, you are not asked to prove your postcode.

In reply to a post by seb:

My point was there's a link reportedly.. i.e. using iplayer e-mail with TV Licensing.. linked or not there are ways..
In the end if you use iPlayer (save for S4C or any exception which may apply) you SHOULD have a license.
If you don't have a need for a licence then by all means tell TVL where to go.

I've been harassed by TVL before and got quite annoyed before moving into the property (didn't need a licence) so ended up telling them not to turn up to my door and leaving them blanked for a while. I don't like their attitude of threatening letters.

The only link is if you tell TVL you don't need a TV licence with the same email you use to access Iplayer. There is no other way, as I said, I used a Yahoo email address to register my BBC account, I doubt the yahoo thing exist now as i have not used it for years, anyway, the account still works, if I use Iplayer using it, there is no way they can link it to me not having a licence.

i agree with you, no TV licence then they should not be using the Iplayer, but as I said, I know someone who does, but it is up to them if they want to take the risk. Like me, they have not registered they don't need a licence and get letters, and also like me, they chuck them in the bin. Not for me to do anything about it, not hurting me or other people, not the crime of the century.

I presume it is getting close to the time when I will have another letter from TVL, telling me I am being investigated, not very good at it, since they don't even know my name

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

They want statistics on who read their news? That is pathetic, that is what really annoys me these days, everyone wants to know who you are, even supermarkets these days.

Yes, the BBC is behaving as if it was a commercial profit making company when for us in the UK it is not. The commercial version that sells content to other countries is quite different.

Can't we not go back to the days when we can just do things without companies, corporations and even government wanting to know if you went for a pee today?

I think nobody is quite ready for the increase in cost that would come with.

They were not happy when I said I don't normally shop there anyway.

Maybe you'd get a discount.

Doughnut? That'll be £15 without a Clubcard, sir!

In reply to a post by longedge:

In reply to a post by seb:

Yeah but most dumb people will not think and will use their own postcode

Shouldn't that be 'honest'? Personally I don't consider telling the truth to be dumb. Admittedly it's an approach that has seen me in hot water quite a few times during my life e.g. when asked "Do you like this dress, does it look good on me"

Well I was referring to people who are trying to use it inappropriaely but to be honest I would actually say providing any data to BBC you don't need to and isn't illegal to lie about, I'd probably lie as they don't have any reason to need my postcode

I can tell you they know somehow.

If I log into BBC iPlayer I get an email complaining that I watched stuff with no licence. I didn't watch I just logged in but whatever!

Quite sure of that? Last time i looked I was asked if I had a licence, and that it was illegal to watch without one. So many threats on Freeview that I'm ignoring the lot and streaming instead while we haven't used iPlayer this year anyway. The once-great BBC is making its own news anyway -- who's the next 'celeb' to be accused of naughty behaviour?

In reply to a post by seb:

I'd probably lie as they don't have any reason to need my postcode

And no doubt you recommend people do the same on this site when asked for their postcode (speed test)?

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

In reply to a post by seb:

I'd probably lie as they don't have any reason to need my postcode

And no doubt you recommend people do the same on this site when asked for their postcode (speed test)?

We use the postcode for tracking speeds (the point of the test), not to send you marketing material. We also don't share it with anyone else (i.e. we don't link your e-mail + postcode and sell that data for example). Finally, you don't need to enter a postcode.. if you REQUIRE it then people will lie if they don't want to give it to you. If you don't want to enter a postcode, just, don't. No need to lie.

I have no issues with BBC asking for your postcode.. I have an issue with them requiring it.

You might like to consider that the BBC also have valid reasons for knowing the postcodes of its viewers. Perhaps they want to know what programmes interest which people are in different regions so that they can tailor their services accordingly? https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/account/why-do-i-h...

I have never, ever received marketing material from the BBC.

I notice that you require an email address when someone creates an account with you. Why? That is arguably more intrusive than a postcode, which covers several households. Of course people can use a one-off address, just as they can fake a postcode. But it seems a rather subtle distinction to me; if people actually tell the truth your requirements identify a person more certainly than the BBC's.

(Note. I've no objection to either - just to the hypocrisy of criticising the BBC for something that one does oneself. But then, the BBC is a favourite target nowadays.)

Edited by TinyMongomery (Thu 07-Aug-25 15:48:09)

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

I notice that you require an email address when someone creates an account with you. Why?
...
(Note. I've no objection to either - just to the hypocrisy of criticising the BBC for something that one does oneself. But then, the BBC is a favourite target nowadays.)

Is there any content on TBB I cannot consume without giving them my email address?

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

Is there any content on TBB I cannot consume without giving them my email address?

Yes there is, I think the sport section for example.

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

Yes there is, I think the sport section for example.

There are legitimate reasons for providing an email address for using a forum, seeing as content is created and notified for, rather than just consumed.

Yes - 9 forums.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

Yes - 9 forums.

There are legitimate reasons for providing an email address for using a forum, seeing as content is created and notified for, rather than just consumed.

But, as I said, you might just want to browse the forums.

The BQM also requires you to log in.

You could just as well argue that there are valid reasons for the BBC to ask for a postcode - to ensure that you are entitled to access their content. Of course email addresses and postcodes can both be phony.

Edited by TinyMongomery (Thu 07-Aug-25 18:09:23)

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

But, as I said, you might just want to browse the forums.

Maybe, but it's not really TBB content, more user generated content, and perhaps the forum owners see value in restricting some areas from web crawlers, for instance.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

The BQM also requires you to log in.

Which goes well beyond just consuming content.

I agree 100% that there are good reasons to request an email address.

Just as the BBC have very good reasons for requesting a postcode.

I just don’t see why the former is OK but not the latter.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

I just don’t see why the former is OK but not the latter.

Because watching videos is not analogous with web forums and ping monitoring tools.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

You might like to consider that the BBC also have valid reasons for knowing the postcodes of its viewers. Perhaps they want to know what programmes interest which people are in different regions so that they can tailor their services accordingly? https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/account/why-do-i-h...

Regions wouldn't need the full postcode.. They could ask for the first bit.. this is one of the reasons we don't ask for house numbers on speed tests - we don't track speeds down to houses but to postcodes hence why we ask for that. In the end they can indeed ask for this but they REQUIRE it... we don't.. we give you the option and we limit it. Requiring data can result in people giving you bad data. In the end we provide data on broadband to everyone on the site..

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

I have never, ever received marketing material from the BBC.

TV Licensing letters are marketing material

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

I notice that you require an email address when someone creates an account with you. Why? That is arguably more intrusive than a postcode, which covers several households.

This is quite normal for accounts on just about any site. We're perfectly happy for you to use a specific thinkbroadband@yourdomain type e-mail address if you prefer (or an icloud unique one which doesn't identify you).. We don't always stop the 'throw-away' e-mails but they are more likely to be banned because bad guys abuse them for spamming, etc.. One off e-mails aren't fake per se and not a problem.

BBC require you to register for iplayer.. We don't require you to register to do a speed test.. we do for BQM as we need to only allow the right person to edit it and view it. Also when we get complaints about pinging someone we need to contact whoever created the monitor. Speed test is a one off thing so hence it's only needed if you want to track performance over time.

And unlike any utility companies/banks who sell the e-mail addresses for age verification providers - we don't.. We don't even target marketing on any other channel so we don't do facebook ads, etc.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

(Note. I've no objection to either - just to the hypocrisy of criticising the BBC for something that one does oneself. But then, the BBC is a favourite target nowadays.)

I like the BBC and I'm licensed (mainly as I use iPlayer occasonally). I don't object to them in fact I like their content. I don't like how TV licensing letters are both incorrect and become increasingly abusive. I don't condone anyone not being licensed when they should be.. but they shouldn't be hounding people just because they don't have a license, with letters that make dubious claims.


seb

In reply to a post by Seansmit17:

I can tell you they know somehow.

If I log into BBC iPlayer I get an email complaining that I watched stuff with no licence. I didn't watch I just logged in but whatever!

So here's the thing.. I don't have a TV license in my name (it's not per person but per household) so I'm not sure they could map it to the e-mail address I have given them.
I do think they can do things to map.. maybe they can use credit records to map last names to houses and postcodes.. I don't know.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

I agree 100% that there are good reasons to request an email address.

Just as the BBC have very good reasons for requesting a postcode.

I just don’t see why the former is OK but not the latter.

It would make more sense for them to request full address to do compliance check actually if that's their main aim...

In reply to a post by Seansmit17:

I can tell you they know somehow.

If I log into BBC iPlayer I get an email complaining that I watched stuff with no licence. I didn't watch I just logged in but whatever!

Did you tell register with the TVL that you don't need a licence? If you have, did you use the same email to register for the BBC account? If so, then that is the reason why.
There is no other way. They can't link all email addresses used to register for their account as not having a licence, as some people buy their licence from a post office still, so have no need to use their email to buy one.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

You might like to consider that the BBC also have valid reasons for knowing the postcodes of its viewers. Perhaps they want to know what programmes interest which people are in different regions so that they can tailor their services accordingly? https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/account/why-do-i-h...

I have never, ever received marketing material from the BBC.

I notice that you require an email address when someone creates an account with you. Why? That is arguably more intrusive than a postcode, which covers several households. Of course people can use a one-off address, just as they can fake a postcode. But it seems a rather subtle distinction to me; if people actually tell the truth your requirements identify a person more certainly than the BBC's.

(Note. I've no objection to either - just to the hypocrisy of criticising the BBC for something that one does oneself. But then, the BBC is a favourite target nowadays.)

You need an email address for loads of accounts, how is think broadband going to ban people if they break rules if they don't have an account?

As for what Seb said about postcodes, he said "I have no issues with BBC asking for your postcode.. I have an issue with them requiring it."

Different thing, the BBc forces people to give a postcode, not asks.

Since the Iplayer and other stuff on the BBC is free, there should be no need for an account, the same with ITVx and other free streaming services. It is all about data and that is the problem these days, everyone wants data, including supermarkets. I tend to give as little as possible, none if i can help it

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

Yes - 9 forums.

Oh yes, that is true, I forgot about that, only The Park that needs to be registered.

Edited by zyborg47 (Fri 08-Aug-25 06:59:52)

I agree that one can always make excuses.

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

Different thing, the BBc forces people to give a postcode, not asks.

Just as several websites force you to give an email address. It’s not necessary for forums as most of them, like these ones, have a PM system for contacting members.

It’s not true that all BBC material is free. It is for us in the UK (as determined by postcode), but not in the global domain.

Of course postcodes can be faked, almost as easily as email addresses can be faked.

only The Park that needs to be registered.

The 9 forums that I mentioned all require registration. I can understand the reasoning in some cases, but “Technical Issues”, “Web Design”, and “VOIP” (to name 3) seem fairly innocuous.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

I agree that one can always make excuses.

You're the one excusing unnecessary demands for postcodes, not me.

@zyborg47 "some people buy their licence from a post office still, so have no need to use their email to buy one."

Not for a long time. BBC took licence facitity from the post office which has issued it since TV began and the radio licence before that. Just as the BBC took weather from the Met Office and gave it to some European company, though now they're coming back again. Licence purchase is now farmed out to Capita (aka disrespectully known as Crapita) as far as I know.

One bit less business for our High Streets, our post office is one of only four shops remaining in our small town.

In reply to a post by Malwaremike:

One bit less business for our High Streets, our post office is one of only four shops remaining in our small town.

Post office lost DVLA and PassPort work as well, so BBC wasn't out of profile. Most DVLA and Passport work is now done using gov.uk website.

The internet changes everything, the BBC needs to get with the fact that being 103 years old, things can't stay the same. Licence fee included!

In reply to a post by jchamier:

Post office lost DVLA and PassPort work as well, so BBC wasn't out of profile.

Not quite the same, Driver's Licence and Passport renewal can still be done at a Post Office:
https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/renew-driving-...
https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/renew-adult-pa...

The same cannot be said for the TV Licence.

Of course, but does anyone... in terms of keeping a Post Office going with the services it provides.

Am I the only person who refused to pay BBC License fee? Never pay it for nearly 30 years! All TV License warning letter always in the bin. Never answered the door to any TV license peoples.

In reply to a post by adslmax:

Am I the only person who refused to pay BBC License fee? Never pay it for nearly 30 years! All TV License warning letter always in the bin. Never answered the door to any TV license peoples.

'Refused' is an interesting word choice, as that doesn't say I don't use their service so don't require a licence. For me I watch some BBC stuff so I pay the licence fee.

In reply to a post by adslmax:

Am I the only person who refused to pay BBC License fee? Never pay it for nearly 30 years! All TV License warning letter always in the bin. Never answered the door to any TV license peoples.

Do you watch broadcast TV?

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

For me I watch some BBC stuff so I pay the licence fee.

Which seems fair. Less fair is if someone is forced to pay for the BBC if they watch TV but not the BBC.

Several European countries have de-linked public broadcasting funding from the act of watching TV and have begun funding it from more generalised taxation. I think that's where it will go here too.

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

Which seems fair. Less fair is if someone is forced to pay for the BBC if they watch TV but not the BBC.

Several European countries have de-linked public broadcasting funding from the act of watching TV and have begun funding it from more generalised taxation. I think that's where it will go here too.

I wouldn't have an issue with the BBC funding coming from general taxes so everyone paid for it as long as its wasn't a party political broadcast for an incumbent government. I know some will say they don't watch it but you could say that about a lot of things paid out of taxes that not everyone uses or agrees with.

Edit: I should add, if that was the case the BBC scope shouldn't be as large as it currently is and the salaries for the top earning should be reassessed as it should be functional rather than picking the likes of the very expensive Lineker to present MOTD.

Edited by PCJM40 (Mon 11-Aug-25 11:47:45)

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

I wouldn't have an issue with the BBC funding coming from general taxes so everyone paid for it as long as its wasn't a party political broadcast for an incumbent government.

Any model whereby the government mandates payment for a public broadcasting service will always face such criticism, be it from non-BBC watching TV viewers, or general taxation, whether justified or otherwise. That's more an argument about whether publicly funded broadcasting should exist at all.

In reply to a post by jpm:

Do you watch broadcast TV?

Only netflix and you tube

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

Just as several websites force you to give an email address. It’s not necessary for forums as most of them, like these ones, have a PM system for contacting members.

It’s not true that all BBC material is free. It is for us in the UK (as determined by postcode), but not in the global domain.

Of course postcodes can be faked, almost as easily as email addresses can be faked.

i have never had a site force me to give them an email address to read the site, there are these silly ones now that bring up something of accept cookies or pay, but never email address. I access a few forums online and they all require registration to post, but on think broadband there are some that don;t

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

The 9 forums that I mentioned all require registration. I can understand the reasoning in some cases, but “Technical Issues”, “Web Design”, and “VOIP” (to name 3) seem fairly innocuous.

I always sign in now, but i am sure there were some that did not need to sign in.

In reply to a post by Malwaremike:

@zyborg47 "some people buy their licence from a post office still, so have no need to use their email to buy one."

Not for a long time. BBC took licence facitity from the post office which has issued it since TV began and the radio licence before that. Just as the BBC took weather from the Met Office and gave it to some European company, though now they're coming back again. Licence purchase is now farmed out to Capita (aka disrespectully known as Crapita) as far as I know.

One bit less business for our High Streets, our post office is one of only four shops remaining in our small town.

Okay, pay point then, you can get a licence that way. My brother have a TV licence and I tell you now that there is no way he would have got it online.

In reply to a post by adslmax:

Am I the only person who refused to pay BBC License fee? Never pay it for nearly 30 years! All TV License warning letter always in the bin. Never answered the door to any TV license peoples.

Not as long as you, but 9 years since I have had a licence, I did have one for 12 months before that, and before that around 4 years without one.

The only reason i got one in the middle of that was because I was off work ill for 9 months, so I decided to try normal TV, bad mistake
i don't think I could go back to linier TV and certainly don't want to pay the Bloated broadcasting corporation if I can help it

Of course it's not linked to your licence. You could perhaps try not being a freeloader and actually pay for the services that you use.

That way the rest of won't have to subsidise you.

So then you haven't "refused to pay your TV license" any more than I have refused to pay for cigarettes, you've just chosen not to purchase something.

Fair point. But TV licensing themselves seem hardly able to distinguish between choosing not to buy a TV licence and refusing to pay for one - at least, judging by the correspondence they send me.

I have been reading this thread (I tend to lurk) with interest.

Firstly your login to iPlayer is not linked to the TV Licence people (Capita). You are asked for postcode so you get your correct regional radio/TV service. But there is a lot of it seems misunderstanding of what the licence actually is for and covers.

It is required for watching *any* live events on TV or steaming services. "Part of the fee also contributes towards Freeview and Freesat, and towards the UK broadband rollout, funding local TV channels and S4C, the Welsh language TV channel, as agreed with the government as part of the 2010 licence fee settlement." per the TV Licensing website. In addition Channel 4 get a public service broadcasting grant from the TV Licence fee every year.

Everytime you purchase a TV or combi TV/Monitor the supplier is supposed to notify TV Licencing of your name and address to check you have a licence for that address.

Edited by wrocc (Wed 13-Aug-25 13:47:51)

"Everytime you purchase a TV or combi TV/Monitor the supplier is supposed to notify TV Licencing of your name and address to check you have a licence for that address."

I could be purchasing a TV for someone else not at the same postcode. It's not foolproof.

True, hence they send you a letter to verify the information, or clarify if the licence for that address is in a different name. They check the address not the post code.

Which is the only way that makes sense as a postcode doesn't identify an address. Just because my neighbours, at the same postcode, have a licence doesn't mean that I don't need one.

Personally, I'm more than happy to pay for an independent broadcaster.

TV suppliers have not had to report sales to TV licensing since 2013...

See here..

In reply to a post by wrocc:

Everytime you purchase a TV or combi TV/Monitor the supplier is supposed to notify TV Licencing of your name and address to check you have a licence for that address.

That particular piece of legislation was repealed over a decade ago!

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/...

Oh OK was not aware that rule had changed, as last time I brought a new TV, they said they were sending the details to the TV Licensing people (that would have been about 5 years ago).

The supplier having to tell the TVL if someone buy a TV ended years ago, not sure how many years, the article from the link below is from 2013.

https://gonedigital.net/2013/07/05/buying-a-tv-in-th...

i should have read everything before i answered.