Former BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis is facing intense backlash after stating she would be happy to pay the television licence fee 'five times over'. The comments, made in an interview with Radio Times, come as the cost-of-living crisis continues to strain households across the UK, with the annual licence fee rising to £180 from April.
Maitlis Defends BBC Amid Criticism
In the interview, Maitlis, who now co-hosts The News Agents podcast, took a veiled dig at her former employer, claiming the BBC is 'not good at holding onto good people'. However, she also expressed strong support for the corporation, saying: 'I'd be more than happy to pay it [the licence fee] five times over, but I understand it's demanding for people in strained times.' She added: 'I remain a huge fan of the BBC. I'd be lost without it. Radio 4 is still a daily habit, a comfort blanket and a source of joy.'
Public Outrage on Social Media
The remarks sparked immediate fury on social media, with many accusing Maitlis of being out of touch. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: 'Nonsense, Emily. Start fining those who don't pay and get the BBC defunded properly. Fed up with this.' Another commented: 'The BBC are revolting', while a third said: 'She's just lacking horns.'
BBC's Cost-Cutting Measures
The backlash comes as the BBC implements sweeping cost-cutting measures to save £500 million, including cutting 2,000 jobs over three years. On June 24, the corporation announced 550 job cuts in news, nations, and TV and radio content as part of the first stage. In an email to staff, interim CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro, outlined proposals including ending Radio 4's The World Tonight, reducing permanent presenters on Today from five to four, and ending Sunday broadcasts of BBC One's Breakfast. The production teams for Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and Newsnight will merge. Munro said the proposals include 200 job losses in the news division, saving £25 million.
Maitlis' BBC Legacy
Maitlis remains one of the BBC's most recognisable former faces, having fronted major political coverage and conducted the explosive 2019 Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew, which marked the former Duke of York's fall from grace. Her comments have reignited debate over the licence fee and the BBC's future amid ongoing financial pressures.
