Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr K
They've already ruled out advertising and we need a public service broadcaster - it is an essential service ( tv and radio). Its more likely to be an extra tax on streaming/broadband services. We' ll pay one way or another.
|
I agree we’re likely to see a ‘data services’ tax being consulted on in the near future. I think it’s too close to charter renewal for it to be brought in for 2027 but it could well be established in the charter for a switch before it expires.
Only a few years ago, broadband wasn’t ubiquitous enough for that to work and it was hard to see how a tax could be crafted to replace the TVL, but I think we are at that point now.
I would expect there to be a sting in the tail though. I know other PSBs would like public service funding to meet their own licence obligations in areas where they’re not commercially viable. At least some of the revenue of any such tax, I suspect, will go into a general public service projects pot which other service providers can bid for. I predict the BBC is going to be told it will have to get by on a lot less.