Subscriptions to the UK television licence fell to 23.2 million in 2025, the eighth consecutive year of decline, according to ABC España. The annual fee of £180 (about $245) is required to watch television channels and the BBC's iPlayer.
The outlet attributes part of the fall to viewers switching to streaming platforms such as Netflix, but notes that straightforward evasion is also increasing. Its estimate of the evasion rate has risen from 5.2% in 2010 to 11.9%.
ABC España also points to waning public regard for a broadcaster it describes as frequently involved in scandals.
