The law regarding your TV licence changes today.
From September 1, 2016, everybody who downloads or watches BBC programmes on demand, including catch up TV on BBC iPlayer, will need a licence.
This applies to any device and provider you use, meaning you will need one even if you watch catch up on mobiles, laptops, tablets, games consoles or via streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV.
You also still need a TV licence to watch or record programmes on any channel as they are being shown, or live on an online TV service.
If you already have a TV licence on September 1, you are already covered.
What does ‘on-demand’ mean? It relates to any programme you watch, or download that is not being show live, or on catch up. On demand programmes can be accessed online, or via an app on a smart TV, digital box or any other device. It includes programmes that are exclusively available online.
What do you need to do if you already have a licence? Nothing. You will already be covered to download or watch BBC programmes on demand, on iPlayer, as will anyone living at your address. You won’t need to buy a second licence or pay anything extra. You will also be covered if you have a free over 75 TV Licence, or blind concessionary licence.
How do you get a licence? You can apply for one at: www.tvlicensing.co.uk
Are there any exceptions? Yes. You won’t need a licence to:
- Download or watch S4C TV on demand on BBC iPlayer, or listen to radio on BBC iPlayer.
- Download or watch programmes on demand from other providers, such as ITV Hub, All 4, Demand 5, BT Vision, Virgin Media, Sky Go, Netflix, or Amazon.
- Watch or record programmes as they are shown on TV, or live on an online TV service, on any channel.
What if you don’t get a licence? You can be prosecuted and may face a fine of up to £1,000, plus legal costs.
