the television licence (sometimes called the "tv licence" or the "television tax") is a small tax that people pay to watch television. it is used to pay, or part-pay, for the local public broadcaster, such as the bbc in the united kingdom. it mainly exists in europe, east asia and parts of africa. the licence fee varies in size from a few euros to around 350 euros per year in iceland. in return for paying the licence, the broadcaster does have few or no adverts.