MPs argue over BBC fee as ‘kids switch off’
THE licence fee review is not an attempt to undermine the BBC, Culture Minister Nigel Adams has claimed.
He insisted that the “broader conversation” was required, as younger people in particular turn their back on the Beeb.
Mr Adams told MPs: “Research which Ofcom gave found more children recognised Netflix than they do the BBC.
“This should be an eye-opener for all of us.
“We on this side of the House believe the BBC is a beacon of British values but we should be alive to the changes in the way people are consuming television.
“Younger people don’t understand why they have to pay for a service they don’t use.” Labour’s Chris Bryant, whose party is challenging the consultation over whether to decriminalise non-payment of the fee, said: “Nothing in life is free. Gavin & Stacey doesn’t come for free, Strictly doesn’t come for free, Sherlock, any of the great drama, comedy or documentaries...”
Shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin asked: “Can [Mr Adams] assure me this is not part of a deliberate strategy by the Government to undermine an organisation with which it has been at loggerheads?”
He replied: “I can give her that absolute assurance.”
Tory MP Philip Davies said: “If the BBC is as popular and value for money as [Ms Brabin] and others say it is, then surely it has nothing to fear at all from going to a subscription model because presumably everybody will be queueing up to pay.The reason why the BBC is petrified of abolishing the licence fee is it may emphasise how unpopular the BBC is and how few people want to contribute.”