B.B.C. helped by TV fee rise

Press, 4 December 1979, Page 19

B.B.C. helped by TV fee rise

By KEN COATES in London Although not exactly popular with viewers, the prompt way the Government moved to increase television licence fees has earned it some praise in the television industry in Britain. It is now £34 for colour and £l2 a year for black and white. The colour license fee rose by £9. The increase is vital for the 8.8. C. which for the last two years has complained bitterly of not being able to plan more than 12 months ahead.

The Home Secretary (Mr William Whitelaw) has set the licence fee for two years which will at least allow the corporation to plan ahead with more certainty. The 8.8. C., which does not get revenue from commercials on either of its two channels, is happy with the promptness of the fee rise, but is not so sure it will solve its financial problems. It already has £5O million deficit, and staff will next April expect a realistic pay rise to bring them closer to what their colleagues in I.T.V. are earning.

There are reported to be 8.8. C. producers who are earning 40 per cent less than producers in Independent Television.

Working and capital costs are rising annually and with actors, artists, and writers all demanding new settlements, the corporation could well find itself facing an increase of £5O million in its wages bill.

It appears that a colour licence figure of £4O widely canvassed in the industry throughout the last

few months, would have been a truer answer to the 8.8.C.’s needs.