UK says time to ask if the BBC licence fee is appropriate

Britain said on Monday it would look at the future of the universal licence fee that funds the BBC in light of new technology that had revolutionised the media landscape since the broadcaster was founded 100 years ago.

"It's time to begin asking those really serious questions about the long-term funding model of the BBC," Nadine Dorries told lawmakers.

"And whether a mandatory licence fee with criminal penalties for individual households is still appropriate."