Angry viewers challenge 'glib' BBC boss over £159 license cost

BBC chief executive Tim Davie has been accused of disrespecting license fee payers after saying it was 'really amazing " that the broadcaster "withdraw" the accusation The BBC's chief executive is in hot water over his license fee blunder (
Image: PA)

The BBC boss has been accused of disrespecting license fee payers after saying it was 'truly unbelievable' that he was 'withdrawing' the charge.

Tim Davie, the chief executive, told a staff meeting that it was "glorious" that the broadcaster had "better budgets" than its commercial rivals.

"It's really amazing what we're achieving by the way," he told the BBC staff meeting in Southampton.

"That most households are quite happy to pay for a license as a forced payment. It's amazing what we achieve."

Angry campaigners last night accused Mr Davie of being 'glib' about the cost to households of the £159 annual charge.

A leaked recording of Tim Davie speaking to BBC staff (
Picture:
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In 2020, the BBC stopped providing free TV licenses to everyone over 75, with only those on pension credit now eligible.

Dennis Reed of campaign group Silver Voices said: "He's glad the BBC is getting away with something.

"We're talking about poorer households facing a cost of living crisis having to shell out £159 a year, which is no small sum when you're fighting for a state pension.

"One of our members over the age of 75 said he received 21 different letters over a two-year period because he couldn't afford his license. I don't think it's a laughing matter.

"These letters are coming out at the same time as he jokes with his staff about getting away with it, he's not."

Mr. Reed suggested the BBC consider varying the cost of the license based on people's income.

“The levy is borne by many people, but it is a regressive tax that affects the poorest households the most,” he said.

"I think Mr. Davie would be better served by considering how the licensing fees, if they continue, could be made fairer rather than glibly commenting."

Politics Feb 17, 2023 0 52 Add to Reading List

Angry viewers challenge 'glib' BBC boss over £159 license cost

BBC chief executive Tim Davie has been accused of disrespecting license fee payers after saying it was 'really amazing " that the broadcaster "withdraw" the accusation The BBC Director General is in hot water its license fee gaffe The BBC's chief executive is in hot water over his license fee blunder (

Image: PA)

The BBC boss has been accused of disrespecting license fee payers after saying it was 'truly unbelievable' that he was 'withdrawing' the charge.

Tim Davie, the chief executive, told a staff meeting that it was "glorious" that the broadcaster had "better budgets" than its commercial rivals.

"It's really amazing what we're achieving by the way," he told the BBC staff meeting in Southampton.

"That most households are quite happy to pay for a license as a forced payment. It's amazing what we achieve."

Angry campaigners last night accused Mr Davie of being 'glib' about the cost to households of the £159 annual charge.

A leaked recording of Tim Davie speaking to BBC staff (

Picture:

SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

In 2020, the BBC stopped providing free TV licenses to everyone over 75, with only those on pension credit now eligible.

Dennis Reed of campaign group Silver Voices said: "He's glad the BBC is getting away with something.

"We're talking about poorer households facing a cost of living crisis having to shell out £159 a year, which is no small sum when you're fighting for a state pension.

"One of our members over the age of 75 said he received 21 different letters over a two-year period because he couldn't afford his license. I don't think it's a laughing matter.

"These letters are coming out at the same time as he jokes with his staff about getting away with it, he's not."

Mr. Reed suggested the BBC consider varying the cost of the license based on people's income.

“The levy is borne by many people, but it is a regressive tax that affects the poorest households the most,” he said.

"I think Mr. Davie would be better served by considering how the licensing fees, if they continue, could be made fairer rather than glibly commenting."