The broadcaster is exploring potential limitations on its streaming platform as part of wider conversations about how it will be funded in the coming years.
One option being examined would restrict BBC iPlayer access to UK residents who have paid the television licence fee, although officials have emphasised that no changes will happen any time soon.
During a company-wide meeting, the BBC’s chief customer officer Kerris Bright suggested that securing iPlayer behind a paywall could represent a chance for the organisation.
According to Deadline, she stated that iPlayer is the only service that is truly licensable where a gate could be put in front of it, but the current data does not really show a return on investment for doing so.
She noted that the vast majority of evasion is not on iPlayer, and that most people watching iPlayer are already paying their TV licence. According to her, putting a gate in front of iPlayer would actually make it a very difficult experience for those who are already paying for the licence.
Potential iPlayer modifications under future consideration
At present, iPlayer visitors are prompted to confirm whether they hold a licence fee, but no system exists to check this information.
Ms Bright indicated that the proposal should not be viewed as a guaranteed solution for boosting income, noting that expenses might exceed any financial gains.
She suggested, however, that the concept could be revisited later as negotiations about the BBC’s funding framework continue.
The broadcaster is presently engaged in discussions with ministers regarding the renewal of its charter, a process set to shape its long-term financial arrangements.
Figures from Deadline indicate that 94% of UK residents access BBC services monthly, yet under 80% contribute to the annual licence fee.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has floated the possibility of extending the licence fee to include subscribers to rival streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video.
She has also put forward the idea of introducing different pricing tiers according to which services individuals use.
Recently, the BBC rolled out a public awareness campaign posing the question of what the BBC has ever done for them.