BBC iPlayer viewers will now need to buy a TV licence
TV users will no longer be able to watch iPlayer for free, from September 1.
A valid TV licence will be required to watch the BBC’s catch-up service, closing a loophole which previously allowed viewers an excuse for having a TV without paying the £145 annual fee.
Previously a licence was only required to watch live programming on iPlayer, the renewal of the BBC’s Royal Charter has put a stop to this free viewing of all material.
However, the changes do not affect radio shows, and other non-BBC catch-up services such as All 4 (Channel 4) or the ITV Hub.