TBH it entirely depends on how the new system would work.
The T.V licence is paying not only for the BBC, but any live T.V.
A TV Licence covers you to watch or record TV programmes live on any channel or TV service. This includes watching TV live online. A TV Licence also covers you to download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. This applies to any device and provider you use, including:
- TV sets (including smart TVs)
- DVD, Blu-ray and VHS recorders
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Tablets, mobile phones and other portable devices
- Digital boxes or PVRs (such as Sky, Virgin Media or BT TV)
- Games consoles
- Media streaming devices (such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and Now TV)
- Freeview, Freesat or YouView
Currently it costs £159 per year, with 86% going to the BBC for programmes including radio, so £136.74 per year so it's not free T.V, never has been. A netflix subscription by comparison is £71.88. It depends whether you think that the extra 60 odd quid is worth those extra services. For example you have news, radio, education, arts, food etc.
Should people have to pay though for something if they don't use it? If you just watch Sky you still have to pay for the T.V licence.
However, what happens if the government just slaps a larger tax on T.V and streaming services? Could end up paying more, governments never like losing money even if they spend it elsewhere.
Personally I wouldn't miss it. I'd stream stuff elsewhere if needed. However, many people, including older people rely on it. If they suddenly had to worry about subscriptions instead of just paying a one off fee it could cause issues and leave people without services they rely on. Imagine a care home doesn't subscribe and the residents lose access to radio programmes.
Basically I'm happy for it to change, but I'd like to know how and I'd also like it to still be able to stay the same as I think in a world of streaming service overload, it's still something different.