BBC fury: 'What are they thinking’ - broadcaster savaged after Britbox launch

THE BBC has been savaged by the British public on social media for the launch of its subscription service, Britbox with ITV.

By Millie Bull, Deputy Lifestyle Editor

00:01, Sun, Jul 21, 2019 | UPDATED: 09:20, Sun, Jul 21, 2019

BritBox: Alan Davies introduces streaming service for British TV

Social media users have taken to Twitter to voice their outrage at the new streaming service which is set to launch just before Christmas. One user said: “I have paid the BBC licence fee for 41 years, I calculate over £4,000 cost. And now they think I’ll pay £72 a year to see programmes I paid for in 1978?”

Another user said: “What are BBC and ITV thinking with #BritBox. They can’t compete with Netflix or Amazon.”

Another said: “So, Britbox. £6 per month to watch programs that we've already paid for.

"Why doesn't the BBC make their archive available on iPlayer?”

On Friday the BBC warned that it's agreement with ITV to launch Britbox will not be the end of the compulsory TV licence fee.

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The BBC warns subscription service will not threaten licence fee (Image: GETTY)

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Lord Tony Hall said politicians would alter the BBC’s funding system "at your peril" (Image: GETTY)

Director-general of the corporation Lord Tony Hall said politicians would alter the BBC’s funding system “at your peril”, according to The Daily Telegraph.

He said: “The licence fee method of funding the BBC means that everyone gets something of equal value.

“It is a fundamental principle in the mentality of the BBC. Change that at your peril.”

The BBC Charter - which sets out its object, mission and public purposes - will run until the end of 2027, by which time television is expected to be transformed.

Lord Hall said the £5.99 monthly service will see the gradual removal of BBC and ITV programmes from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

The profits from the new streaming service will be reinvested in production which will create a “virtuous cycle” for TV licence payers.

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ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall said she did not expect ITV to make a return on its investment (Image: GETTY)

However, the BBC will only own 10 percent of Britbox and provide no funding for the development of the site or the exclusive programming.

ITV will control the remaining 90 percent and will provide the initial funding.

BBC programmes will remain on iPlayer for a year before moving to Britbox permanently.

However, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall said she did not expect ITV to make a return on its investment in Britbox for up to five years, despite pummelling £25million into the venture this year.

She said: “Unlike some of the other things we have embarked on this will not be a fast return.

“We have looked at this and think it is very doable to get to break even, but it will be over three to five years.”