What is live TV and when do I need a licence for it?
Live TV means any programme you watch or record as it’s being shown on TV or live on any online TV service. It’s not just live events like sport, news and music. It covers all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.
If you’re watching live TV, you need to be covered by a TV Licence:
- if you’re watching on TV or on an online TV service
- for all channels, not just the BBC
- if you record a programme and watch it later
- if you watch a programme on a delay
- to watch or record repeats
- to watch or record programmes on +1, +2 and +24 channels
- to watch live programmes on Red Button services
- even if you already pay for cable, satellite or other TV servicee
An online TV service is any streaming or smart TV service, website or app that lets you watch live TV over the internet. This includes services like All 4, Sky Go, Virgin Media, Now TV, BT TV, Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and ITV Hub.