BBC iPlayer to require TV licence as government closes loophole

From 1 September, you will no longer be able to watch BBC iPlayer without paying the £145-a-year TV licence fee.

“As of 1 September 2016, a change in the law means you need to be covered by a TV licence to download or watch BBC programmes on demand – including catchup TV – on BBC iPlayer,” a spokesperson for TV licensing said.

“Fewer than 2% of households only watch catchup – and only those watching BBC iPlayer as part of their catchup and on-demand viewing will need to buy a licence from September.