Island in 'axe licence fee' talks

Tynwald members on the Isle of Man are to discuss a proposal for the island to withdraw from paying the BBC licence fee later.

Manx residents pay £142.50, the same as those in the UK, but there is no BBC radio station or daily TV airtime.

A motion is being put forward for a committee to be established to investigate the options if the island withdrew from the arrangement.

The plans are to be debated at the monthly Tynwald sitting later.

North West Tonight, based in Manchester, provides the island's regional television news.

Reduction plea

In the financial year 2008/09, the television licence cost each household £139.50 which funds television, radio and online services.

In 2004, Tynwald discussed plans to request a reduction in the licence fee from the UK government.

In recent years the BBC's news service has come under fire in the Manx Government.

If plans for a committee are approved, it will be asked to gather evidence and report back to Tynwald.