Society and Culture

The compulsory BBC licence fee makes no sense


SUGGESTED

Press Release

The IEA welcomes the commitment to lower taxes

Lifestyle Economics

New IEA paper looks at the impact of Licensing Act over the last 10 years

Mark Littlewood on the upcoming BBC Charter Review

Commenting on the upcoming BBC Charter Review, Mark Littlewood, Director General at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:

“Next year’s Charter Review provides a real opportunity to assess the future of the BBC in a world of rapidly changing technologies.  Aside from examining how the broadcaster is funded, it’s crucial to consider the question of whether having a ‘public service broadcaster’ is necessary or desirable at all.

“There is little justification for the current all-singing, all-dancing BBC. Without a significant slimming down of the organisation, an outcome that does not lead to some kind of voluntary or commercial basis for funding would be unacceptable.

“Most television programmes should be paid for by carrying adverts, charging subscriptions or on a pay-per view basis. If this works for Game of Thrones, there is no reason it wouldn’t work for Doctor Who.”

Notes to Editors:

To arrange an interview please contact: Stephanie Lis, Head of Communications, 0207 799 8900 or 07766 221 268.

The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.

The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.



SIGN UP FOR IEA EMAILS