TV Licence in Spain
Spain does not have a TV licence fee like the UK. Instead, its public service broadcasting is primarily funded through a combination of state budget allocations and levies imposed on private media and telecommunications companies. The main public broadcaster in Spain is Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE), which includes channels such as La 1, La 2, and radio stations under the RNE brand.
Up until 2009, RTVE was partly funded by advertising, similar to many commercial broadcasters. However, the Audiovisual Law of 2009 introduced a major reform. Under this law, RTVE was banned from airing traditional commercial advertisements and shifted to a model based on public funding and industry levies. The intention was to reduce commercial influence on public broadcasting and ensure RTVE’s independence and impartiality.
Today, RTVE receives funding from three main sources:
Direct government funding through the general state budget. This is the largest portion and is intended to ensure RTVE can fulfil its public service obligations, including producing educational, cultural, and minority-interest content.
Levies from private broadcasters: Commercial television channels operating in Spain, such as Atresmedia and Mediaset España, are required to contribute a percentage of their revenue (typically around 3%) to support RTVE. This system is designed to balance the commercial gain they receive from operating in a regulated media market with the need to fund public broadcasting.
Levies from telecommunications companies: Telecom providers, including internet and mobile service companies, also contribute a portion of their revenue (around 0.9%) to RTVE. This acknowledges the role these companies play in distributing digital media content and supports the public broadcaster’s transition to digital platforms.
Despite the intention to create a stable and independent funding model, RTVE has faced criticism and challenges. Budget shortfalls and political interference have been ongoing concerns. Because much of RTVE’s funding comes from the government, critics argue there is still a risk of political pressure, especially when leadership appointments are influenced by the ruling party.
The UK TV Licence
The UK TV licence is applicable to all UK households and properties that are capable of receiving live TV from any country by any means (terrestrial, satellite, cable, or internet), and “catch up and on demand” from public broadcaster BBC and the BBC iPlayer.
So even if you watch German TV in the UK you will need to pay the UK TV licence fee.
And if you watch any online live strea, via Youtube or Amazon Prime or Netflix in the UK you will need to pay the UK TV licence fee.
If you live in Spain, you do not need to pay the UK TV licence.
If you live in Spain, you do not need to pay the UK TV licence to watch UK TV.
The UK TV licence does not apply to people watching UK TV in Spain.