TV Licence article Discussion

pphillips

Interesting development going on between the BBC and YouTube, which seemingly gives an insight into the future of the TV licence. According to the BBC news website:

“The BBC has announced a landmark deal with YouTube, which will see the corporation make content that is tailor-made for the video streaming service.

The broadcaster has previously used YouTube, which is owned by Google, to promote clips and trailers for its own shows in the UK.

But the new move will see the BBC make content primarily aimed at YouTube's digital-native younger audience, although it may also be made available on the BBC's iPlayer and Sounds platforms.

The new programmes will feature adverts when viewed from outside the UK, generating extra funds for the corporation at a time when its future funding model is being debated.”

One has to wonder why adverts will not feature on content viewed inside the UK, it certainly isn’t out of the BBC’s generosity! I predict one of two outcomes will occur: legislative change will shortly follow the implementation of the BBC/YouTube deal or TVL will make ultra vires demands for payment of the licence fee.

oldcodger69

I don't have a TV license but I do watch the videos on You Tube.  I also read of the BBC announcement regarding their ...landmark deal...  I too wonder what the implications are for the need for a TV license.  BBC already show programmes on You Tube but they are advertised from behind  'Pay to watch' (I don't).  I have no query on that.

However I will be disappointed if they now persuade Parliament that it is within their commercial interests to include You Tube within their protection of needing a TV licence to view a private video website because ...where will it stop?

mta999

Unless legislation changes, watching BBC content (or indeed any content) on YouTube does not require a TV license unless that content is being broadcast at the same time that you watch it

Cornucopia

It's worth saying that the BBC does not set the rules that determine what requires a TV Licence.   It is defined in legislation which is set by Parliament.  

What the BBC could do (though it would be somewhat cynical) is to simulcast one or more of its broadcast channels on Youtube.  Those channels would then require a Licence to view under the existing rules.   They haven't talked in those terms, so perhaps that's not their intention.

mta999

Very interesting article on TV licence (apologies if link has been posted before)

https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/mps-bbc-track-iplayer-licence-fee-dodgers/

Cornucopia

mta999 said:

Very interesting article on TV licence (apologies if link has been posted before)

https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/mps-bbc-track-iplayer-licence-fee-dodgers/

It's not a bad article but the fundamental thing is that policing iPlayer is a lot more complicated than simply the "make it so" that the article and some politicians are implying.

It's also not true that the BBC currently does nothing on this - they use email addresses to match active iPlayer accounts and unlicensed addresses.   This can trigger a warning, but isn't necessarily indicative of an offence.  

There are some thorny issues that stem from the different usage patterns of TVs and iPlayer.

grandadgolfer

Inside The Factory BBC tonight from Kellogg’s factory…..Paddy McGuinness asked an employee to explain the production process for “All the good license fee payers ” 🤣

brewerdave

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81855998#Comment_81855998

Long time since I set up my BBC account - what information do you have to give when setting up ? Don't think my full name, DOB or address is held ??

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863565#Comment_81863565

Just checked my online account details and there's only email address, password, user name, postcode, year of birth & gender in there. So none of those three you mention.

Cornucopia

I think the question was whether holding more data would improve their chances of enforcing illegal use of iPlayer. I'm not sure it would, but I'm not a "big data" expert.