What Counts as "Live TV" for TV Licence Purposes?
The definition is broader than most people think. It is not just BBC. Here is a platform-by-platform breakdown of what counts and what does not.
The Legal Definition
"Live TV" means any programme broadcast or streamed as part of a television service, at the same time as it is being shown to the public. This applies to any channel (not just BBC), any platform, and any device. The "simultaneously broadcast" test is the key.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe the TV licence only covers BBC content. This is wrong. The licence covers live broadcasts on all channels, including ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and international channels.
Wrong: "I only watch Sky, so I don't need a licence"
Wrong: "I only watch sport, not BBC programmes"
Wrong: "I watch on my phone, not a TV"
Platform-by-Platform Guide
| Platform | Live Content | On-Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Go | Yes - live channels | No | Live Sky Sports, Sky News, etc. need a licence. On-demand library does not. |
| ITVX | Yes - live streams | No | Watching ITV live needs a licence. Catch-up does not. |
| Channel 4 | Yes - live streams | No | Watching Channel 4 live needs a licence. Catch-up (All 4) does not. |
| Now TV | Yes - live channels | No | Live channels (Sport, News) need a licence. On-demand cinema/entertainment does not. |
| YouTube | Sometimes | No | Only if the live stream is a simulcast of a TV broadcast. Standard videos are fine. |
| Amazon Prime | Yes - live sport | No | Live Premier League, tennis, etc. need a licence. Standard Prime Video does not. |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes | ALL iPlayer use needs a licence, including catch-up. Unique among services. |
| Twitch | No | No | Gaming streams are not TV broadcasts and do not need a licence. |
| +1 channels | Yes | N/A | +1 channels (ITV+1, Channel 4+1) are still live broadcasts and need a licence. |
Common Questions
What is the legal definition of live TV?
Live TV means any programme that is broadcast or streamed as part of a scheduled television service at the same time as it is being shown to the public. This applies to any channel (BBC, ITV, Sky, foreign channels), any platform (TV aerial, satellite, streaming app), and any device (TV, laptop, phone, tablet).
Do I need a TV licence for Sky Go?
Only for live channels. If you watch live Sky Sports, Sky News, or any other live channel through Sky Go, you need a TV licence. However, watching on-demand content from the Sky Go library does not require a licence.
Do +1 channels count as live TV?
Yes. Despite being time-shifted by one hour, +1 channels (ITV+1, Channel 4+1, E4+1, etc.) are still live broadcasts. They are transmitted as they are being shown to the public, just one hour behind the main channel. You need a licence to watch them.
What about watching foreign TV channels?
Yes, you need a licence. The law covers live TV on any channel, including foreign and international channels. If it is being broadcast live and you are watching it as it is transmitted, you need a licence, regardless of where the channel originates.
Does watching TV on my phone count?
Yes. The device does not matter. Whether you watch live TV on a television set, laptop, desktop computer, smartphone, tablet, or games console, the same rules apply. It is the content that determines whether you need a licence, not the device.