The BBC has been savaged by viewers after an 'underhanded' move during its World Cup coverage. Fans accused the publicly-funded broadcaster of interrupting live matches to encourage more fans to renew their TV licences.
While Brazil fought Morocco in a gruelling clash, a QR code was shown to viewers encouraging them to purchase or renew their licences. The code flashed on screen as the players returned to the pitch in the second half, with pundit Guy Mowbray telling viewers aloud: 'A handy reminder that to enjoy the World Cup, you need a TV licence. If yours needs renewing, you can scan the code that's on your screen now to do so.'
Viewers React with Fury
Fuming fans took to social media to complain, with one writing: 'Providing an on-screen QR code to buy a TV Licence during a match is a strange decision.' Another said: 'The BBC really have scraped the barrel with this World Cup coverage.'
'Watching the world cup on BBC iPlayer and it says you need a TV licence to watch. Scan QR code to renew if you need to. Can f*** right off. Not paying for that pish!!!' someone else moaned. Another echoed: 'BBC advertising buying a tv licence to watch the World Cup while the games on,' with a face-palm emoji.
Political Criticism
MP Kevin Hollinrake, meanwhile, said: 'The @BBC has its World Cup presenters in a Salford studio whilst ITV will be live from New York. Licence fee payers deserve better. The BBC has trebled the number of people earning more than £100k in the last 5 years. Any good business would make cuts to senior management, not the viewer experience.'
