Brits doom-scrolling on their Fire TV Stick could be hit with a hefty fine if they make this common mistake. The new warning comes after Netflix debuted a new live series
Brits are being urged to avoid a costly mistake this month while using their Fire TV Stick, even if they’re not using a ‘dodgy’ device. The mini remote is a great way to convert your standard TV into a smart one, allowing you to install apps such a BBC iPlayer, Paramount+, Prime Video, and Netflix, as well as to access games and stream music.
If you’ve spent your January doom-scrolling these sites in desperate search of a new series or film to binge, you may have come across the premiere of WWE Raw being streamed live on Netflix for the first time. The debut episode (which aired on January 6) hosted some of the biggest fighting names, including The Rock, John Cena, and the Undisputed WWE Champion The American Nightmare (Cody Rhodes).
“The epic night featured electric, high-stakes clashes as Roman Reigns conquered Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match, Rhea Ripley defeated Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship, and CM Punk bested his bitter rival Seth Rollins,” Netflix stated, confirming the streaming giant will be the ‘exclusive home’ of WWE’s flagship weekly wrestling program in the US, CAnada, Latin America, and UK. New episodes will air every Monday at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET (That’s 1am Tuesday morning for us Brits).
Despite the content being exclusive to Netflix, subscribers will still need a TV licence as the episodes are aired live. Yes, you need to pay for the Fire TV Stick, your Netflix subscription, and the annual fee (which is rising to £174.50 in April) in order to legally watch these episodes. TV Licensing has enforcement officers that will carry out checks, and if you’re caught watching live TV without a licence, you can face a fine of up to £1,000 (up to £2,000 if you live in Guernsey). You cannot be imprisoned for TV licence evasion in itself, but you can be imprisoned for non-payment of a fine imposed by the court – and enquiry officers may get a search warrant to enter your home.
“A TV Licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer,” TV Licensing previously said ahead of Netflix airing the highly-anticipated Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight. “Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.”
However, not everybody needs to pay for their TV Licence, or at least not the full amount. If you’re over 75 and get Pension Credit, or live with your partner who gets Pension Credit, you are entitled to a free exemption. “You can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit,” GOV UK state. “You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you’ll be covered by your free licence.”
Those living in residential care or sheltered accommodation and are retired and over 60 or disabled are eligible for a hefty discount, and can get a TV Licence for just £7.50. To apply for this discount, you should talk to your housing manager. Those who are registered blind or live with someone who is are also eligible for a 50 per cent discount.
Is the BBC TV Licence Fee good value for money? Have your say in the comments section below