The government will consider new ways of funding the BBC, including via advertising or a subscription model, as it formally begins the process which will decide the corporation's future.
It has published a consultation document - or green paper - laying out plans to future-proof the BBC, put it on a sustainable financial footing and bolster trust.
The government will ask the public for their views about several funding options - including the possibility of allowing adverts on the BBC, either on some select platforms or more extensively.
Another option being considered is a "top-up subscription service", which would offer premium content.
The current licence fee, which costs £174.50 annually, could also be replaced with a different set of rates depending on which of the broadcaster's services people use.
