From TechRadar · · 2m
Channel 4 on Disney+ weakens BBC licence fee case
Disney+ will stream Channel 4 shows from early 2027, undermining the UK government's argument for extending the TV licence fee to streaming services.
In brief
Disney+ will stream Channel 4 shows from early 2027, undermining the UK government's argument for extending the TV licence fee to streaming services. Disney+ will add Channel 4 content from early 2027, strengthening broadcasters' commercial independence and weakening the government's case for a streaming tax to fund…
Disney+ gets Channel 4 content
The Walt Disney Company announced Channel 4 will bring shows to Disney+ in early 2027.
Why both sides want the deal
Disney+ expands its on-demand library with quality public service programming. Channel 4 reaches Disney+ subscribers who don't use public service platforms, giving the broadcaster access to new audiences beyond its free All 4 service.
How the content will appear
Channel 4 programming will be listed in a Channel four-branded section of the Disney+ app.Subscribers get new shows and existing titles including Big Mood, Tip Toe, and 24 Hours in A&E at no extra cost.
ITV already partnered with Disney+
In July 2025, Disney+ partnered with ITV to bring select Disney+ titles to the free ad-supported ITVX platform. Disney+ launched a Taste of ITVX collection on its own service, expanding ITVX's audience reach.
The BBC licence fee question
As British broadcasters partner with US streaming giants, the UK government's proposal to expand the TV licence fee to include platforms like Netflix and YouTube could gain support from those wanting to fund public broadcasting.
The tax could be hard to enforce
Expanding the licence fee to streaming makes it harder to police who watches what inside third-party apps. It also blurs the line between British public television and streaming services as separate entities.
Critics call it a double tax
Critics argue the YouTube tax is a bailout for the BBC's funding shortfalls. Many UK households ditched traditional broadcasters for streaming, so the proposal would force consumers to pay twice for content.
Broadcasters prove independence
With networks like Channel 4 and ITV proving they can independently negotiate major commercial deals with streaming giants, the justification for a broader streaming tax becomes weaker for many observers.
The one thing
Disney+ will add Channel 4 content from early 2027, strengthening broadcasters' commercial independence and weakening the government's case for a streaming tax to fund the BBC.
