Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should the BBC license be mandatory?
Position1 of 2›

Yes, the BBC license should be mandatory

This position holds that the BBC licence fee should be mandatory. It argues that the BBC provides a non-excludable public good that could only survive in its current form through a compulsory fee — funding essential news, the World Service, and programming for minority tastes.

Supporting arguments · 4

  1. A mandatory license fee supports minority tastes
    Without a mandatory license fee, the BBC would be unable to produce programs that appeal to niche interests and ethnic and religious minorities.
  2. The BBC provides a service for the public good
    The BBC provides a unique service that can be consumed by everyone equally.
  3. The BBC World Service serves the national interest
    The World Service presents Britain's face to the world, and is a major tool of the UK's Soft Power.
  4. BBC News is an essential public service
    We pay for the police and fire brigade; like them, a national news service is an essential service.