Yahoo Movies BBC licence fee could be scrapped by the government
For the first time in its history, the BBC might have to swap the license fee to a subscription service in the near future.
Senior government aides told The Sunday Times that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is targeting the broadcaster after he decided the BBC is in need of a "massive pruning back" of its output.
Apparently, this could see a reduction of not only TV channels and radio stations, but also a major change on the BBC's website.
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"We are not bluffing on the licence fee," declared the source. "We are having a consultation and we will whack it. It has got to be a subscription model. They've got hundreds of radio stations, they've got all these TV stations and a massive website. The whole thing needs massive pruning back.
"They should have a few TV stations, a couple of radio stations and massively curtailed online presence and put more money and effort into the World Service which is part of its core job," they continued.
"The PM is firmly of the view that there needs to be serious reform. He is really strident on this."
Digital Spy has reached out to the BBC for comment.
Related: BBC Radio 1's audience hits record low
It appears as though the government is equally concerned by the highly paid stars working for the BBC, who make additional money from outside work.
"It's an outrage that people who make their profile at public expense should seek to give themselves further financial rewards and personal gain," another source added.
"They're basically making their names on the taxpayer and cashing in. The BBC should immediately halt this practice and give the money to good causes."
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