Viewers in the US can watch more coverage of the coronation than those who pay the BBC's licensing fees.

With two days left before the coronation of King Charles III, the atmosphere around Westminster Abbey is heating up on Thursday. Credit: Mike Kemp/In Pictures

The BBC has been at the center of controversy over video footage of the coronation after British news organizations were told they would have to pay despite foreign media receiving live coverage without any — any additional costs compared to their existing agreements with the press agencies supplying them with materials. news footage.

Live coverage of the late queen's funeral was posted free of charge on news websites as the event was considered historically important and the same organization was expected for the king's coronation.

However, the BBC, whose cameras will film inside Westminster Abbey, has demanded that British websites, including Telegraph.co.uk, pay a significant amount to access the live broadcast.

This means that the payers BBC license fees, whose money will cover the cost of the report, will be prevented from watching it on their favorite news sites, while foreign viewers, who do not have to pay the costs, will not have such restrictions. /p>

The News Media Association (NMA), which represents news publishers, has been in talks with the BBC for weeks now, arguing that the coronation, as a major historical event, should be treated the same as the coronation of the late queen. funeral.

The BBC has a monopoly on images

BBC, ITN and Sky, who combine their footage of the coronation procession and abbey services, require publishers to pay six figures for access to their images.

Since the BBC is the only organization allowed to film at the Abbey on Saturday, it will have a monopoly on images from the coronation service, allowing it to effectively solicit publishers for the ransom.

The Golden State Bus rides with military personnel during Wednesday's late-night dress rehearsal for the coronation ceremony. Photo: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS

Talks between the NMA and the broadcasters broke down on Thursday without agreement.

The final meeting between the two is scheduled for Friday.

Under a separate agreement affecting foreign territories, news websites around the world will be able to stream video footage of the entire event for free. the costs of their existing deals with media outlets that provide them with news coverage.

Historical events are different

Dawn Alford, Executive Director of the Society of Editors, which represents news editors, said: «Given the significant public interest in the historic Sabbath coronation and the precedent set by the Queen's funeral last year, we are deeply concerned that while foreign publishers will use free live video broadcasting the event, British audiences seem to be missing out if the publishers don't meet the broadcasters' financial requirements.

“Given that the BBC is funded by a license fee payer, this is not right. that the UK news audience will lose free access through their chosen platform. We urge broadcasters to reconsider their decision.»

Buckingham Palace told the NMA it had no objection to the footage being broadcast free of charge to British news outlets.

A BBC spokesman said: «Broadcasters The UK, who are covering this complex and historic event, have requested a fair and reasonable financial contribution from any third parties wishing to access the live stream for their own use.»