BBC cynical YouTube license designed to keep the propaganda going
The BBC has reportedly struck a landmark deal to stream its content directly on YouTube for overseas viewers...but we all know the real reason.
In recent years, the BBC has faced a plethora of scandals and bias broadcasts. This has, ironically, caused a major turn off and a massive exodus of licence fee payers who have swapped traditional telly for streaming services. The corporation’s revenue is under serious pressure and as they are the propaganda arm of the government with their ‘accepted ideology’, this new development is alarming that could change how we all use YouTube in the UK.
The Pivot to YouTube
The BBC finally admitted what we’ve known for years, more people are watching YouTube than BBC iPlayer. By moving their content there, the BBC is attempting to make the most cynical move you can imagine.
Making their programs available on YouTube, the BBC will create a legal pretext to claim that the platform is now a ‘broadcast’ service requiring a TV licence.
Former MP Andrew Bridgen has pointed out that the BBC has form. Back during the 2014 charter negotiations, the BBC allegedly pushed to make the licence fee mandatory for anyone watching any internet catch-up service, including ITV and Sky. While they were blocked then, their mindset remains unchanged. If you’re watching video online, they want a cut.
The Current Law vs. The Big Grab
As the law stands today, you generally only need a licence for watching or recording live TV on any channel or using BBC iPlayer.
Watching pre-recorded videos from independent creators on YouTube does not require a licence today. However, live streams on YouTube from recognised broadcasters (like Sky News) technically already fall under the licensing requirement.
If the BBC starts streaming live on YouTube, they will argue that the entire platform or at least your access to it now falls under the licensing terms. So if you have any device that can access YouTube you pay them a fee for the privilege if you use it or not.
A Recipe for more public non-compliance
If the government and the BBC do attempt to enforce a YouTube Tax, hopefully the public backlash would likely be historic like the millions not wanting Digital ID or the Poll Tax. Such a move would be extremely unpopular, cause huge levels of anger across the country and could lead to mass boycotts and non-compliance. In a climate where the BBC’s reputation is already on the floor, forcing people to pay £169.50 (due to rise again) a year just to watch independent YouTubers might be the final nail in the coffin for the licence fee model. If the government are not hated enough at the minute this could be a nail in the coffin of public compliance.
The BBC have had their day covering up serious wrongdoing and being the propaganda arm for the government, we all see it now. They need to be cut free and become a subscription service like everyone else is. Then we can choose if we want their content or not.