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Original poster

Have you cancelled your TV licence?

127 replies

notgettinganyyounger · 09/12/2025 19:57

Im considering cancelling mine as I dont watch much live Tv but im worried I might press the wrong channel and watch something I need the licence for. Its quite confusing as it seems its more than just BBC you need the licence for.

OP posts:
Cleo65 · 09/12/2025 20:06

Cancelled ages ago, it's quite simple - you can't watch live TV on any channel (but can watch ITV, C4 etc on catch-up) .... but you can't watch any BBC at all.

PlazaAthenee · 09/12/2025 20:08

No, I listen to BBC radio and podcasts and watch BBC TV.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 09/12/2025 20:10

No but I keep on getting letters - seems my licence isnt on their system

When they show up, I will tell them about themselves, hassling me

That said, I only listen to bbc radio and am using the iplayer right now so definitely need it

BasilParsley · 09/12/2025 20:11

No

OnlyMabelInTheBuilding · 09/12/2025 20:12

Yes, years ago. Means I don’t have to get pissed off when the annual
salary of nonsense for the presenters list comes out.

JudgeBread · 09/12/2025 20:12

I've never paid it and I never will 🤷‍♀️

TansySorrel · 09/12/2025 20:13

No. I like lots of BBC TV and radio and would miss it.

Runrunrudolph · 09/12/2025 20:14

No I haven't.

I don't watch very much TV at all and I only watch on firestick or my phone. But I do watch some BBC content.
And I listen to quite a bit of BBC radio channels.
Where as I feel the BBC isn't what it was I actually think it's a very important institution and I actually don't begrudge paying the Licence Fee.

Zuve · 09/12/2025 20:15

Yes we have a license. I like the beeb and happily pay. I actually listen to the wireless more than watch but my darling hubby likes the tv. You get a lot for the fee. I am sure I will cause a racket over this, whatever?

MuyPuy · 09/12/2025 20:16

Tempted. The bias and obsession with certain subjects (drag queens FFS) has meant I very rarely watch BBC or listen to the radio anymore. I keep it though mainly for things like Wimbledon or the World Cup.

BobblyBobbleHat · 09/12/2025 20:16

No and I won't be doing so. I don't watch much tv at all, but the information online is fabulous, especially the learning resources for children.

MustTryHarderAndHarder · 09/12/2025 20:16

No

Moaning5 · 09/12/2025 20:17

Tempted !

I probably watch 10% BBC & 90% Netflix.
I could give up the BBC to save the ridiculous fee.
How would they know if I tune in tho ??

StillCreatingAName · 09/12/2025 20:20

notgettinganyyounger · 09/12/2025 19:57

Im considering cancelling mine as I dont watch much live Tv but im worried I might press the wrong channel and watch something I need the licence for. Its quite confusing as it seems its more than just BBC you need the licence for.

If you’re pressing a button to select a channel on a tv guide, you are going to watch live tv. It’s not complicated to understand and you seem to have managed a title for this goady thread with no problem, so I doubt you’d make such a silly mistake once you’ve cancelled your licence.

So no, I watch and listen to BBC programmes I won’t be cancelling.

TheCountessAtChristmas · 09/12/2025 20:22

No I only listen to BBC radio as I cant stand adverts. I am on bbc sounds every day. I watch eastenders and live bbc TV, so I certainly wouldn't be giving it up!

BatchCookBabe · 09/12/2025 20:23

If you cancel/stop paying for your licence, can they find out if you watch anything on the BBC? And if so, how do they find out?

OverlyFragrant · 09/12/2025 20:23

Yes.
Been very irritated by the BBC bias and special attention some groups were given for many years.
Then the news broke about our licence fee going towards Hamas terrorists, and well, that was that.
I cannot morally fund terrorism.

KimonoQueen · 09/12/2025 20:24

No. I think the obsession with trying to get people to stop paying the licence fee is another route of attack on our cultural values.

Its a further erosion of our soft power. And we will all be the poorer for it.

Heyhelga · 09/12/2025 20:24

Would love to. The BBC is simply not watched in this house so it's a waste of money every month in my book, but dh has a NowTV sports package so the rules get us for the live sport.

gogomomo2 · 09/12/2025 20:26

You need a licence to watch any live tv and also bbc iPlayer. I’m watching live tv right now! BBC has the best tv

WeNeedToTalkAboutIT · 09/12/2025 20:28

Yes, I cancelled some years ago, because I can't justify multiple subscriptions and the BBC is the one I watched the least of. I also got rid of my TV because I never watch it, I watch things on my tablet these days.

I get a free Disney subscription and have cancelled all of the others now. Very occasionally if there's a series I want to watch I'll subscribe back to one of them for a month or two. Haven't explored if that's even an option with the BBC, and mildly concerned that they'll start harassing me if I resubscribe and cancel again so quickly.

Swallowdoubleandrunamile · 09/12/2025 20:28

Cancelled mine a few years ago, due to the bias certain groups were being shown.

RinsedCrispies · 09/12/2025 20:32

It ran out and I haven’t paid since. I dislike that they’re not unbiased, the recent news stories have really put me off.

I like CBeebies and CBBC but that alone isn’t worth paying for, it can be watched on YouTube. Im not interested in their usual programming.

They won’t be getting my £180.

Sesma · 09/12/2025 20:34

No because I have Sky Q and wouldn't be able to record or watch live TV, so it's not simply not watching BBC which decides whether I need a licence

Iloveeastereggs2020 · 09/12/2025 20:37

Yes, a couple years ago. I don’t use any of the services required for one