Outrage Explodes After BBC Drops Big-Budget Advert Accused of Covering Up Doctor Who Axe and Ignoring Mounting Scandals
THE BBC has released a shameless new advert in a desperate bid to drive viewers to get a TV licence – after a report revealed more than half a million people have stopped paying.
In a toe-curling four minute clip, presenter Romesh Ranganathan attempts to flog the broadcaster’s biggest shows including The Traitors and EastEnders.
The BBC has released a shameless new advert in a desperate bid to drive viewers to get a TV licence – after a report revealed more than half a million people have stopped payingCredit: BBC
In a toe-curling four minute clip, presenter Romesh Ranganathan attempts to flog the broadcaster’s biggest shows including The Traitors and EastEndersCredit: PA
Bizarrely the ad makes a big deal out of Doctor Who despite it being shelved for three years over woke backlash.
At a time when much debate is rumbling over the legitimacy of the fee, the broadcaster uses the commercial to ask “what has the BBC done for me?”
The debate even made it to the World Cup last week, when furious football fans raged after being blasted with a TV Licence fee notice during England’s semi-final clash with Argentina.
As licence fee payers around the country struggle with the cost of living – including recent rises in the BBC’s charge – many have questioned why the network should be allowed to demand such a fee.
Especially as the expensive-looking advert – which features appearances from some of TV’s biggest stars – appears to suggest the Beeb isn’t short of a few bob.
At a time when much debate is rumbling over the legitimacy of the fee, the broadcaster uses the commercial to ask “what has the BBC done for me?”Credit: PA
As licence fee payers around the country struggle with the cost of living – including recent rises in the BBC’s charge – many have questioned why the network should be allowed to demand such a fee
Further stars crop up as Romesh sings about Mary Berry, Glastonbury, Wimbledon coverage, Graham Norton, Gladiators and David Attenborough, reminding viewers that “on top of all that, they don’t even have ads!”Credit: PA
This campaign comes after a million people ditched the licence fee in the past year – marking the biggest drop in numbers since the Covid pandemicCredit: Alamy
Coming just two months after the network’s latest scandal – which saw Scott Mills sacked from Radio 2, following in the footsteps of shamed stars such as Huw Edwards and Jermaine Jenas – the ad ignores the scrutiny the BBC has faced concerning over-paid talent and controversies.
Fronted by one of its top stars – comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan – the ad features a string of cameos, from global pop star Chris Martin to Only Fools And Horses legend Sir David Jason.
Set in EastEnders‘ pub The Queen Vic, Romesh reads the front of the fictional Walford Gazette, emblazoned with the headline “Is The BBC Really Worth It?”
As Coldplay star Chris tinkers the EastEnders theme tune on the pub’s piano, Romesh begins singing a ditty, listing the BBC’s strengths, such as its £2.5 billion fundraising efforts and smash hit shows like The Traitors.
Traitors host Claudia Winkleman pulls a pint, which is quickly passed to Radio 1 star Greg James, as Romesh pushes through other celebrities to exit The Vic.
He bumps into Children In Need‘s Pudsey the Bear, walks past Alan Carr on the drums, and sings of how the broadcaster introduced the nation to Adele.
Romesh then takes a stroll through a variety of the BBC’s famous sets.
He stumbles upon Ruth Jones‘ Gavin and Stacey character Nessa, who bigs up the benefits of BBC regional radio, before lauding the likes of long-running medical drama Casualty and children’s TV hits such as Mr Tumble and Wallace and Gromit.
Romesh is then attacked by the Daleks from Doctor Who, poking fun at the show’s fanbase – a joke that comes as the sci-fi series has been shelved.
A classroom full of schoolkids then raves about educational initiative BBC Bitesize, as Romesh clambers into the newsroom and sings about their “thoroughly verified” journalism.
Further stars crop up as Romesh sings about Mary Berry, Glastonbury, Wimbledon coverage, Graham Norton, Gladiators and David Attenborough, reminding viewers that “on top of all that, they don’t even have ads!”
Documentary legend Louis Theroux then appears, threatening to end the BBC, his hand hovering over a giant on/off switch, adding: “None of this has to exist if we don’t want it to!”
Louis launched his career with the BBC and since 1998 has never fronted any programme that wasn’t made by the corporation – but recently made a move to Netflix, effectively bringing to an end 27 years of exclusivity between the Beeb and the acclaimed documentary-maker.
Romesh then explains that the money paid for the BBC contributes £6.5 billion for the economy.
The ad ends as ballroom dancers prance around Romesh in a grand finale, with Romesh asking once again what the BBC has done for him?
Anton Du Beke offers one last suggestion: “Strictly!”
In an accompanying press release, Kerris Bright, the BBC’s Chief Customer Officer, explains the ad, referencing the Government’s Charter renewal where they will debate the future of public service broadcasting.
She highlights that “the way people watch, listen and consume media has been transformed” and adds: “At the same time, trusted information, shared experiences and content that is available to everyone feels more valuable than ever.”
This campaign comes after a million people ditched the licence fee in the past year – marking the biggest drop in numbers since the Covid pandemic.
According to the corporation’s own annual report, over 500,000 people stopped paying the fee in the past year.
During the pandemic numbers came down by 738,000, now the number of people paying the fee is the lowest since 1999.
Between 2024 and 2025, 300,000 fewer people purchased a licence.
The report concluded that the fee, which totals £180 per home, “remains insufficient to sustain a universal public service.”
This year’s drop of 539,000 leaves just 23.3million people paying the fee, compared to last year’s 23.8million.
It comes as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly considering forcing Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime users to pay the TV licence fee.
