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Whether you need a TV licence or not depends on what you watch...

While that may be generally understood, the exact rules are often less clear, thanks to social media comments sharing incorrect information.

So we thought we'd look at the TV licensing rules and how they apply in Jersey.

What are the rules around having a TV licence?

You should have a TV licence if you watch any live television channels (UK-based or international, not just the BBC) or programmes on BBC iPlayer.

Other streaming services like ITVX, Amazon Prime Video or YouTube do not require a licence, unless you are watching a programme live at the same time as it's broadcast on TV.

As streaming services expand their content offerings, some now include live sports or event coverage, as well as 'on demand' content, so it's important to remember that whether you need a licence depends on the content you're watching, not how you are watching.

TV licences cover a property rather than an individual, meaning everyone who lives at an address is covered as long as someone at that address has purchased one. This also extends to portable devices like smartphones, laptops and tablets, which can be used to watch TV from anywhere. As long as you've got a TV licence at home, you're covered.

Take our quiz to see whether you need to pay a TV license or not

Unpicking the fact from the fiction

We thought we'd also clear up a few common misconceptions, and comments we've seen Islanders make on social media:

"It's a UK law which doesn't apply in Jersey"

As a Crown Dependency, Jersey's parliament can enact its own laws independently of decisions made in Westminster. However, in some cases, the Island defers to the UK on certain issues and decides to extend British legislation to Jersey.

On 27 February 2004, Jersey introduced its own law, which means TV licensing rules do apply here.

Is the TV licence a sustainable way of funding the BBC?

The UK's Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, doesn't think so. A consultation published in December 2025 explores several alternative funding models.

However, the TV licence fee is set to remain at its current rate until at least 31 December 2027, when the current BBC Charter expires.

"Why should I pay for a TV licence? I don't watch the BBC"

While a TV licence is only required if you watch or record live television, the £3.8billion raised from the licence fee (in the 12 months up to March 2025) funds a range of BBC services. Not only the corporation's TV output, but also its radio stations, BBC iPlayer, the BBC website, apps and podcasts.

"You can't be prosecuted for breaking the rules in Jersey"

While there's no such thing as private prosecutions in Jersey law, anyone found not to have a TV licence, who should, can still be prosecuted.

TV licensing enforcement officers are accompanied during inspections by a Centenier or Police officer who can bring prosecutions on behalf of the island's Attorney General.

Offenders are usually instructed to attend a Parish Hall enquiry, where fines of up to £1,000 can be handed down.