Clearly unsustainable

BBC 'loses 300,000' licence payers as 'clearly unsustainable' licence fee considered

The BBC lost 300,000 licence fee payers in the last 12 months, an MP told the Commons as the corporation came under pressure, announcing major job cuts. At Culture, Media and Sport, a Tory MP branded the BBC's financial model 'clearly unsustainable'.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is overseeing a comprehensive review of the BBC's funding and governance to ensure the broadcaster remains financially sustainable and independent for decades. Her review, launched in late 2025 as part of the Charter renewal process, focuses on modernising how the BBC is funded as viewing habits change.

Conservative Nigel Huddleston said: "Last year the BBC lost another 300,000 licence fee payers. The BBC's current scale and financial model is clearly unsustainable. Yesterday the BBC announced controversial cuts, including "The World Tonight" and "Money Box Live", without anyone in Parliament expressing a view. That is not right.

Below is a good question from the comments, but it's no good expecting a coherent answer from Lisa Nandy, her job is to make sure the state broadcaster survives. 

Lee Simpson
I haven't watched the BBC in years, yet I still have to pay the licence fee because I like to watch live football on Sky Sports which I also pay a subscription for. I am basically paying twice. Why?