The BBC is experiencing its worst crisis in history and will disappear if funding is not reformed, a legacy broadcaster warned. John Simpson, who has been with the corporation for six decades, said the TV licence "has had it" because the funding is not sustainable if people continue to opt out of paying.
Fee-dodgers compared to shoplifters
He insisted that fee-dodgers were no different to shoplifters. The 82-year-old said: "I do think this is the worst position the BBC has ever been in. I think there is a real possibility we're going to lose it as it is unless the Government and the BBC together can come up with a decent way of funding it. I think the licence fee has had it. If people can decide they simply don't want to pay...we've had it, we're finished."
Speaking to Radio Times, he added: "Don't tell me these people [who have stopped paying their licence fee] don't watch the BBC. Of course they do. For me, that's just like shoplifting."
Defending the corporation
World affairs editor Mr Simpson, who is a fierce defender of the corporation, said the BBC "constitutes the essence of what it is to be British" and is "respected across the world". The editor wants the BBC to be more unapologetic in its approach, believing it has been "too timid".
He told new director general Matt Brittin that the Beeb was "not proud enough of itself", but rather "listens all the time to its critics".
Funding review underway
The broadcaster is currently facing a funding crisis due to changing viewing habits and falling payment rates, as viewers opt for alternative streaming services. The BBC's funding and governance are currently undergoing a formal review ahead of the Royal Charter renewal, due to expire in December 2027.
Several funding options have been put on the table. In the latest report for the Royal Charter Review, a levy on every household irrespective of their media consumption was discussed. However, the report said the Government appeared to rule out this option, with suggestions that it sounded too much like a tax.
The Government was also considering allowing the BBC to carry advertising on its public services, the report said. However, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky TV did not support this. Sir Peter Bazalgette, a former Chair of ITV, said that a BBC solely dependent on advertising would "pretty well destroy the model of ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5".
