LONDON: The BBC is rolling out paid subscriptions in the United States, it said on Thursday, as the publicly-funded broadcaster explores new revenue streams amid negotiations with the British government over its funding.
The BBC has in recent years seen a fall in the number of people paying the license fee, a charge of 174.50 pounds ($239.76) a year levied on all households who watch live TV, as viewers have turned to more content online.
From Thursday, frequent US visitors to the BBC’s news website will have to pay $49.99 per year or $8.99 per month for unlimited access to news articles, feature stories, and a 24-hour livestream of its news programs.
While its services will remain free to British users as part of its public service remit, its news website operates commercially and reaches 139 million users worldwide, including nearly 60 million in the US
The new pay model uses an engagement-based system, the corporation said in a statement, allowing casual readers to access free content.
“Over the next few months, as we test and learn more about audience needs and habits, additional long-form factual content will be added to the offer for paying users,” said Rebecca Glashow, CEO of BBC Global Media & Streaming.
The British government said last November it would review the BBC’s Royal Charter, which sets out the broadcaster’s terms and funding model, with the aim of ensuring a sustainable and fair system beyond 2027.
To give the corporation financial certainty up to then, the government said it was committed to keeping the license in its current form and would lift the fee in line with inflation.
BBC rolls out paid subscriptions for US users
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BBC rolls out paid subscriptions for US users
- US visitors will have to pay $49.99 per year or $8.99 per month for unlimited access to news articles, feature stories, and a 24-hour livestream of its news programs
- Move is part of broadcaster’s efforts to explore new revenue streams amid negotiations with the British government over its funding
Al-Ahsa governor meets Saudi Journalists Association chairman, board members
- Prince Saud briefed on SJA’s activities including enhancing media ecosystem, developing local talent
LONDON: Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr on Monday met with the Saudi Journalists Association’s Chairman Adhwan Mohammed Al-Ahmari, members of its board of directors, and the head of the local branch, at the governorate’s headquarters.
Prince Saud was briefed on the SJA board’s efforts to help regulate the work of journalists, enhance professionalism, develop the media environment, and help train and empower national talent.
He was also updated on the association’s programs to support responsible media, strengthen local and international partnerships, and host domestic and foreign media delegations currently visiting the governorate.
The governor said Saudi Arabia’s leadership has helped to modernize the media industry and strengthen its presence at home and abroad.
He underlined the role of professional media in showcasing national achievements and values, and deepening engagement between all sectors of society.
Al-Ahmari thanked Prince Saud for supporting the media in Al-Ahsa and his commitment to developing the industry across the region.
