Licence

We've noted before that BBC is attempting to define the Charter Renewal debate as being about scope and size of the licence fee, rather than innovative ways of funding UK (and international) public service broadcasting. According to The Times,  a BBC submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee says the licence fee is “very likely to remain the most cost-effective way to fund the BBC”.

The licence fee was first introduced in June 1948 - £2 a year got you one black and white channel. At current values that's equivalent to over £70. The first night of tv after the wartime shut-down was opened by Jasmine Bligh, and including a Disney cartoon and Mantovani and his orchestra. Below, a film recreation of the first announcement, made later the same year.