Speculation has been rife regarding the funding of the BBC. It would appear that Boris Johnson is ready to push ahead with plans that could weaken the BBC’s ability to collect its licence fee revenue. Many reports have suggested that one of the prime minister’s first policies since winning a thumping majority in the general election is effectively to declare war on the BBC. However, According to a report in the Financial Times, the government will next week launch a consultation on decriminalising the licence fee evasion. This will mean that people would no longer face a jail sentence if they refused to pay the fine for evading the £154.50 annual fee to access the BBC’s services across TV, radio and online. 

The government are reportedly concerned that the current system is unfair and disproportionate. However, an independent review  by David Perry QC only 5 years ago said that the system for dealing with licence fee evasion was “fair and proportionate,” as well as providing “good value for money”.  The BBC has previously warned that decriminalizing the non-payment of the licence fee will mean it has around a £200M black hole in its budget. 

In a statement responding to the prospect of a new consultation, the BBC said: “Of course we’ll respond to the consultation whenever it is published, but the Government has already commissioned a QC to take an in-depth look at this matter… Decriminalization could also mean the BBC has hundreds of millions of pounds less to spend on programs and services for audiences.” The review comes at a perilous time for the BBC, with many industry observers worried that the broadcaster is facing an existential crisis with negative reports becoming almost daily. 

In addition to the hostile Conservative government which is sceptical about the BBC’s funding model and a public unhappy with its coverage on Brexit, the BBC last week reported having to make savings £800M. It is difficult to remember a time when the future of the BBC has looked so bleak and uncertain. 

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