Commercial Broadcasters Unite Against BBC ‘Digital Tax’

Following reports that Gavyn Davies’ review of funding at the BBC may recommend a £35 increase to the licence fee, nine of the leading commercial television broadcasters met yesterday in London to formalise a collective lobbying strategy. Of particular concern to the group is the possibility that the BBC may introduce an increase of £35 to homes with digital television as a means of softening the costs of the Corporation’s future digital ventures.

Stuart Prebble, chief executive of ONdigital, questioned the validity of a publicly-funded television company launching free channels on the one hand, whilst effectively charging people to view them through an increase in the licence fee on the other.

This is the second time the broadcasters, including ITV, BSkyB and Cable & Wireless, have gathered to discuss their concerns over the introduction of a digital licence fee (see UK Broadcasters Oppose BBC Digital Fee Increase). It is understood that the companies are considering forming a formal alliance to monitor the outcomes of Davies’ BBC funding review.