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Concern Over Threat to Future of BBC Funding

The MU is concerned by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nicky Morgan’s confirmation that the government is considering the removal of the BBC licence fee over the long-term yesterday morning.

Published: 06 February 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
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Any threat to the financial stability of the BBC is a threat to the livelihood of so many of our members. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Minister confirmed the future of the BBC licence fee is on the table in future negotiations. Whilst Morgan says the licence fee will remain during this charter period, set to end in 2027, she states that it is important to be ‘open-minded’ about what might come next.

The Union is also concerned about the possible threat of a £200m funding cut to the BBC, should the levels of licence fee evasion rise following the proposed decriminalisation of non-payment.

A threat to the BBC is a threat to our members

Horace Trubridge, MU General Secretary, says:

“For many years the BBC has been largest employer of musicians in the UK and remains home to five of our highly-respected and world-famous orchestras. In addition our composer members are regularly commissioned to provide the soundtrack to numerous films, documentaries and programmes.

"Any threat to the financial stability of the BBC is a threat to the livelihood of so many of our members. We will always be concerned about any government policy, which may lead to a cut in the employment and commissioning of British musicians.”

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