The Culture Secretary said technological changes mean major reforms are likely when its funding model is reassessed in 2027. She told MPs on the digital, culture, media and sport committee that "by then we will be in a place where we have a much clearer view" of the overhaul needed.

       Government could be accused of "being dinosaurs if we said it isn't going to change" and added: "We know there are huge changes coming."

       She said she was against the BBC's decision to axe free TV licences for over-75s and insisted it was "case closed" that the broadcaster had an impartiality problem.

       But she denied threatening to cut the corporation's funding after BBC journalist Nick Robinson told Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "stop talking" in a interview last month.

       She said she had not heard the exchange and had "never criticised" the broadcaster.