Licence lesson for students on TV viewing

TV Licensing says many students return to the city after the Christmas break with gadgets such as laptops and MP3 players, which can sometimes be used to watch TV as it is broadcast, and so require a licence.

TV Licensing spokesman for Scotland, Fergus Reid, said: "We know that for many students, the laptop is the new TV, and with many having received new gadgets for Christmas, we are keen to make sure that these students are on the right side of the law.

"You need a TV Licence to watch or record TV programmes as they are broadcast, irrespective of how you receive them, what channel you're watching, or what device you are using. If you don't have a licence you risk prosecution and a fine of up to 1,000."

"This means that if you are watching or recording live broadcasts via the BBC iPlayer, you need to be covered by a TV Licence, but if, for example, you are watching last week's episode of EastEnders or Doctor Who, a licence isn't required as it has already been broadcast."

For more information, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/students 2009.