BBC chiefs have stirred up licence fee outrage — in a bias bust-up with Twitter.
They objected to the Beeb being labelled “government-funded media” on the site.
The row broke out after Twitter added a “context disclaimer” to a post that claimed the BBC was independent.
The broadcaster complained to the platform’s boss, Elon Musk, saying: “The BBC is, and always has been, independent.
“We are funded by the British public through the licence fee.”
But critics say the Government is in charge of setting the £159 annual fee, and anyone refusing to pay faces a fine and possible jail.
Tory MP Mark Jenkinson said: “If the BBC objects to Twitter’s label, it could just stop using the state to lock up people who don’t pay their licence fee, whether they use BBC services or not.”
Campaigners say the fee disproportionately stings women because they tend to be at home when enforcers show up.
In recent months the BBC has battled claims of anti-Tory bias and is currently reviewing its policies in light of the Gary Lineker saga.
Musk told a BBC reporter: “I do think media organisations should be self-aware and not falsely claim the complete absence of bias.
“I should note I follow BBC News on Twitter, because I think it is among the least biased.”
He suggested Twitter could soon link to news organisations’ ownership and source of funding.