The BBC has released a high-profile promotional video featuring nearly 100 celebrities, including Romesh Ranganathan, Chris Martin, and Claudia Winkleman, after 540,000 viewers stopped paying the TV licence fee in the 2025/26 financial year.
Licence Fee Income Drops by £1bn
The broadcaster's 2026 annual report revealed that TV licence numbers fell by more than half a million, contributing to a drop in licence fee income of over £1 billion in real terms over the past decade. BBC Chairman Samir Shah stated on July 15 that the current funding model means the corporation cannot maintain its public service mission. New Director-General Matt Brittin has previously described the licence fee model as a "busted flush" that is "no longer fit for purpose."
Promo Video Highlights BBC's Value
The three-minute advert, inspired by a 1986 BBC campaign featuring John Cleese, asks viewers: "What has the BBC done for me?" It shows Ranganathan visiting sets of BBC shows such as The Traitors and EastEnders, and includes Doctor Who despite the show being put out to tender. The video also highlights BBC coverage of Wimbledon, nature programmes like Springwatch, and the absence of advertisements. At the end, text reads: "There’s a BBC for each of us. Funded by all of us."
Star Salaries Not Addressed
The campaign does not mention the high salaries of top BBC stars. Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills earned between £745,000 and £749,999 in the year ending March 2026. BBC political journalist Laura Kuenssberg was the highest-paid female staff member, with a salary between £405,000 and £409,999, according to the latest annual report.
Ranganathan and BBC Statement
In a statement, Ranganathan acknowledged the BBC is not without flaws but said he feels passionately it should continue as it "adds so much to our lives." BBC Chief Customer Officer Kerris Bright wrote in a blog post that the campaign aims to "ensure the BBC gets credit for the fundamental impact it has on society, as well as the things it makes." She added the campaign comes at an "important moment" ahead of the Government renewing the BBC’s Royal Charter and deciding on future funding.
Cost-Cutting Measures
Last month, the BBC announced plans for savings across its news, nations, and content divisions, expected to deliver £160 million of the £500 million in savings needed by 2028/29.
