Former culture secretary Nicky Morgan has expressed strong opposition to a government proposal aimed at expanding the BBC licence fee to cover streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. The plan, set to be detailed in an upcoming white paper on the BBC Charter review expected before Christmas, seeks to secure the broadcaster’s future funding by requiring millions more viewers to contribute.

Morgan, who served as a Conservative minister, described the proposal as “a retrograde step” that risks positioning the BBC “on the wrong footing for the 21st century.” Speaking on Times Radio, she acknowledged that the current licence fee system is outdated, dating back to an era with only a few television channels. She argued that in today’s landscape, where audiences choose to pay subscription fees for streaming services, extending a compulsory levy was no longer appropriate.

“You can’t expect people to continue under a system designed for a very different media environment,” Morgan said, adding that some BBC programmes might be suited to a subscription-based model while core services such as BBC News remain valuable. She criticized the idea that popular entertainment shows like Celebrity Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing should be funded in the same way as content from major streaming platforms, suggesting such shows could sustain themselves without licence fee support.

Morgan’s stance aligns her with notable critics including Nigel Farage and Independent MP Adnan Hussain, who have also voiced concerns over the proposed extension. However, the initiative has received backing from some quarters, including Conservative Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the culture, media and sport committee, and former culture secretary Ben Bradshaw.

The government’s intention to reform the BBC’s funding model follows increasing debates over how public broadcasting should adapt in an era dominated by on-demand streaming. While proponents argue that expanding the fee ensures a fair contribution from users of digital platforms benefiting from BBC content, opponents contend it threatens to undermine a public service broadcaster already navigating significant changes in consumption habits. The forthcoming white paper will offer further detail on the government’s approach to balancing these competing views.