Mr Sharp, who has been chosen by the Government as its preferred candidate to replace Sir David Clementi as chairman, has described the licence fee as the “least-worst” method of funding the corporation. Last year, the BBC sparked controversy when it ended free TV licences for most over-75s. Under the changes, over-75s must now receive pension credit to get a free TV licence.
The former Goldman Sachs banker told MPs when appearing before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee: The question is, ‘Is the BBC value for money?’ Yes it is. How do we raise that money? That is certainly an issue.
“I happen to be satisfied looking at it in a relatively superficial way that the current process is fit for purpose.”
But Express.co.uk readers have overwhelmingly urged Mr Sharp to scrap the TV licence fee following months of intense criticism over the value it provides millions of viewers with.
The latest poll, which ran from 9am until 8am on Friday January 15, asked: “Should the incoming Brexiteer boss scrap the TV licence fee?”
A huge 98 percent of voters (4,904 readers) want the TV licence fee scrapped by new chairman Mr Sharp.
The remaining two percent (just 104 readers) disagreed, while less than one percent (20 readers) were undecided.
Furious Express.co.uk readers lashed out at the TV licence fee in the comments section, with some launching scathing attacks against the BBC itself.
One person wrote: “I’m afraid Mr Sharp needs to do a lot better than that if he wants to persuade me to pay for a licence.
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Another person simply said: “Nice to get an unambiguous response. Bin this tax!”
Several other readers launched a scathing attack against the BBC, demanding the UK Government withdraw funding for it and calling for the broadcaster to be scrapped altogether.
One person commented: “I am ashamed the rubbish put out together with outrageous earnings of presenters is put in the name ‘British’.
“The Government should withdraw funding along with the use of ‘British’ name, which should be paid for by a company rather than just keep this corporation going. UK can do better.”
A second reader wrote: “Just shutting it down would be the preferred option. The world would be a better place overnight, plus the bonus of deranged Wokes crying in the street would see me through the rest of this pandemic.”
Another reader simply said: “The BBC is over. It has to go.”
Speaking before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Mr Sharp also told MPs the BBC’s culture needs to be “rebuilt”.
The new chairman conceded there was a lack of “trust in leadership and trust in process” at the corporation and admitted issues over equal pay had “created a sense of unfairness”.
He also said impartiality was “clearly the biggest issue” at the BBC and is one that needs to be dealt with. The problem has previously raised by new director-general Tim Davie.
Mr Sharp said: “Clearly some of the problems it has had recently are really quite terrible and reflect a culture that needs to be rebuilt so everyone that works at the BBC and cherishes the BBC feels proud to work there.
“Then in my view that would produce a better output inevitably.”
