It’s one of the most popular TV streaming devices in the UK.
But if you use an Amazon Fire Stick, you could face a huge fine for using a new feature.
Amazon has quietly added several BBC channels to the ‘live’ tab on the Fire Stick.
While this will provide you with access to TV shows including EastEnders, The Apprentice, and Casualty, it could also land you with a huge fine.
The issue is that to watch live content, you’ll need to pay for a TV licence.
At £169.50 per year, this isn’t cheap – but it is certainly less expensive than the hefty fee you’ll face if you ignore it.
‘Not paying for a TV Licence could lead to a £1,000 fine if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally,’ TV Licensing explains on its website.
‘The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey. Plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.’
It’s one of the most popular TV streaming devices in the UK. But if you use an Amazon Fire Stick, you could face huge fine for using a new feature
The Amazon Fire Stick is best known for providing users access to popular streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+.
However, what you may not realise is that there is also the option to watch Live TV.
And last week, the tech giant quietly added 10 popular BBC channels to this live tab.
This includes BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, CBeebies, BBC News, BBC Scotland, and BBC Alba.
To watch these channels live, you’ll need to purchase a TV licence.
‘You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch live on streaming services – such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, Sky Go, YouTube, Netflix and Freely,’ TV Licensing explained.
‘You don’t need a TV Licence if you never watch live on any channel, pay TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer.’
A TV licence currently costs £169.59 per year.
A TV licence currently costs £169.59 per year. While you can pay this in one go, most people choose to spread the cost by Direct Debit – this works out at £14.12 per month
While you can pay this in one go, most people choose to spread the cost by Direct Debit – this works out at £14.12 per month.
If you don’t pay your TV Licence, you could face a huge fine.
‘We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV Licence,’ TV Licensing warned.
‘If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV Licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.’
WHAT ARE THE VIDEO STREAMING OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO UK CUSTOMERS?
Netflix
Price: £5.99 a month (with ads) OR £12.99/month for Standard OR £18.99/month for Premium
Hit shows:
- Bridgerton
- Squid Game
- Black Mirror
Amazon Prime
Price: £8.99 per month OR £95 per year
Hit shows:
- Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
- The Boys
Apple TV+
Price: £8.99 a month
Hit shows:
- Ted Lasso
- For All Mankind
Disney+
Price: £4.99 a month (with ads) OR £8.99/month for Standard OR £12.99/month for Premium
Hit shows:
- Star Wars
- The Simpsons
NOW TV
Price: From £6.99 a month (6 month) or £9.99 (flexible)
Hit shows:
- Game of Thrones
- Chernobyl
hayu
Price: £4.99 a month
Hit shows:
- Keeping up with the Kardashians
- Made in Chelsea
BritBox (on ITVX)
Price: £5.99 a month OR £59.99 a year
Hit shows:
- Spitting Image
- Midsomer Murders
Prices correct as of March 2025
