Brits are being warned to steer clear of a pricey blunder this month while using their Fire TV Stick, even if it’s not a ‘dodgy’ one.
The handy gadget transforms your regular TV into a smart one, letting you download apps like BBC iPlayer, Paramount+, Prime Video, and Netflix, as well as play games and stream music. If you’ve been endlessly browsing these platforms in January, trying to find a new show or movie to dive into, you might have noticed that WWE Raw premiered live on Netflix for the first time.
The inaugural episode, which aired on January 6, featured top wrestling stars such as The Rock, John Cena, and Undisputed WWE Champion The American Nightmare (Cody Rhodes).
Netflix announced: “The epic night featured electric, high-stakes clashes as Roman Reigns conquered Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match, Rhea Ripley defeated Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship, and CM Punk bested his bitter rival Seth Rollins.”
It confirmed that the streaming service will be the ‘exclusive home’ for WWE’s main weekly wrestling show in the US, Canada, Latin America, and the UK. New episodes will drop every Monday at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET (That’s 1am Tuesday morning for us Brits).
Subscribers are being reminded that despite Netflix hosting exclusive content, a TV licence is still required for live-aired episodes. The cost of the annual TV licence is set to increase to £174.50 come April.
In addition to paying for the Fire TV Stick and Netflix subscription, viewers must comply with this fee to stay within the law. TV Licensing’s enforcement officers will conduct checks, and those found watching live TV without a licence could be hit with fines up to £1,000, or up to £2,000 in Guernsey, reports the Mirror.
While you can’t be jailed directly for evading the TV licence, failing to pay court-imposed fines can lead to imprisonment. Moreover, enquiry officers have the authority to obtain search warrants to enter homes.
“A TV Licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer,” TV Licensing previously said ahead of Netflix airing the highly-anticipated Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight. “Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.”
However, not everybody needs to pay for their TV Licence, or at least not the full amount. If you’re over 75 and get Pension Credit, or live with your partner who gets Pension Credit, you are entitled to a free exemption. “You can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit,” GOV UK state. “You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you’ll be covered by your free licence.”
Those living in residential care or sheltered accommodation and are retired and over 60 or disabled are eligible for a hefty discount, and can get a TV Licence for just £7.50. To apply for this discount, you should talk to your housing manager. Those who are registered blind or live with someone who is are also eligible for a 50 per cent discount.
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