{"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/784942.json"},"data":{"type":"petition","id":784942,"attributes":{"action":"Make the BBC TV Licence Optional — Give the British Public the Freedom to Choose","background":"We call on the Government to replace TV licensing with optional BBC subscriptions. Currently, viewers need a licence to watch live TV, even if they never use BBC services. People should be free to choose which broadcasters they pay for, while essential public service broadcasting remains protected.","additional_details":"The TV Licence system should reflect how people watch television today. Many households pay for streaming services and rarely use the BBC, yet still need a licence to watch live TV. We believe viewers should have the freedom to choose what they pay for. A voluntary BBC subscription would give consumers greater choice while allowing the BBC to continue providing valued programmes. Essential public services, including emergency information, should remain accessible to everyone.","committee_note":null,"state":"rejected","signature_count":6,"created_at":"2026-10-18T18:06:43.917Z","updated_at":"2026-11-03T15:34:35.584Z","rejected_at":"2026-11-03T15:34:31.997Z","opened_at":null,"closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-10-18T19:21:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":{"code":"duplicate","details":"You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action:\r\n\r\nAbolish the BBC TV Licence and Introduce a Subscription-Only BBC\r\nhttps://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/782764"},"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[],"topics":[]}}}