UK government to review the BBC's long-term funding

Britain plans to review long-term funding for the BBC, the national broadcaster, and find alternatives to the TV licence, as it seeks to secure its future given competition from streaming giants and as viewers watch less live television.

Currently, the BBC is funded by the TV licence, a charge of 169.50 pounds ($215) a year, which is imposed on all viewing households.

But the number paying has fallen in recent years as people change their habits and access more content online.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said on Friday it would use a review of the BBC's Royal Charter to consider "alternate funding options" for the broadcasting and media giant, which employs 21,000.

"We will have an honest national conversation about the broadcaster's long-term future, ensuring the BBC has a sustainable public funding model that supports its vital work but is also fair and responsive to those who pay for it," Culture Minister Lisa Nandy said.

The BBC has in recent years made savings after increases in the licence fee failed to keep pace with inflation.

In order to give the BBC financial certainty up to 2027, the government said it was committed to keeping the licence in its current form and would lift the fee in line with inflation.

The review will help to decide its future funding beyond that date.