Thousands of Brits still use Black and White TV

Britain became the first country in Europe to offer regular programming in colour back in 1967, yet almost 10,000 black and white licences are still in force across the UK.
Do not adjust your television set - many households are still living with black and white TV, credit, shutterstockDo not adjust your television set - many households are still living with black and white TV, credit, shutterstock
Do not adjust your television set - many households are still living with black and white TV, credit, shutterstock

But a spokesperson for TV Licensing has reminded viewers that they need a licence, however dated the model.

Said Jason Hill: “It’s astounding that more than 9,000 households still watch on a black and white telly, especially now that over half of homes access TV content over the internet, on smart TVs.

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“Whether you have the latest 4K TV or a black and white set from the 1970s, if you are watching or recording live television, then you do need a TV licence.”

Regular colour broadcasts began on BBC2 in July 1967 with the Wimbledon tennis tournament – three weeks ahead of West Germany. 
The number of black and white licences issued each year has been in steady decline since.

The cost is £49 compared to £145.50 for a colour licence.

Jim McLauchlan from the Museum of Communications, in Fife, Scotland, said there are an increasing number of collectors of old black and white sets.

He said: “It is now some years since I have come across anyone using a black and white television, though the occasional person has one tucked away in their attic.”

Around 25.4 million licences are currently in force, the highest ever since the levy was introduced.

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