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Government sets out plans for BBC's future

An overhaul of how the BBC is run has been announced by the government, as it announced the licence fee will continue for at least the next 11 years.

The proposals include:

• A new requirement for the corporation to provide "distinctive content"

• A new unitary board for the corporation, with a majority of members independent of the Government, with Ofcom regulating the broadcaster

• People watching BBC programmes using the iPlayer will be required to obtain a TV licence, closing a loophole estimated to cost £150 million a year

• Publishing the salaries of stars earning over £450,000.

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BBC licence fee to rise 'in line with inflation'

Culture secretary John Whittingdale

The licence fee remains "the most appropriate funding model" for the BBC, and will increase in line with inflation until 2021/22, when there will be a new settlement, Culture secretary John Whittingdale has announced.

Viewers watching BBC programmes on demand online will be required to obtain a TV licence.

It is "likely to become less sustainable" in the longer term, he said.

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