News story

25th August 2004

Local People "Back BBC Licence Fee"

A significant majority of local people want to keep the licence fee as the way of funding the BBC, according to a survey of local residents by Northavon MP, Steve Webb. But even among those backing the licence fee there was considerable criticism of the BBC for the quality of its programmes and the amount of time spent advertising other BBC programmes.

The MP launched his consultation earlier in the year in order to contribute to the review of the BBC's charter which is currently being undertaken by the Government. Over 800 people responded to the survey, with 593 (around 68%) backing the licence fee, and 275 (around 32%) favouring an alternative such as advertising.

Residents who backed the licence fee generally felt that it was good value for money and that other methods of paying for the BBC might compromise  its political independence. People were keen that the BBC had the freedom to produce "quality programmes" which might not necessarily attract a mass audience, although many felt that the BBC was doing too much "chasing ratings" and not producing top quality programming.

Opposition to the licence fee was strongest amongst those who have access to a wide range of TV channels, including via satellite, and who objected to being obliged to pay for a service that they hardly used.

Commenting on the survey, Steve Webb MP said:

"As ever, this process of consultation has given me some real insights into what local people are thinking. There is a lot of good will towards the BBC, especially among those who are familiar with broadcasting overseas. But there is also a lot of anger, both among those who cannot access the new digital services and those who think the BBC should be more distinctive. I will certainly make sure that both the Government and the  BBC are made aware of how local people feel about these issues".

The results of the survey will be sent to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, to influence the Government's thinking and also to the Chairman of the BBC to ensure that he knows the concerns of local people.