Channel 4 has hit out at plans to close the so-called “iPlayer loophole”, arguing that it would penalise other public service broadcasters. The government has proposed changing the current licence fee regulations to include on-demand TV such as the iPlayer. Channel 4 said that while there is scope to reform the licence fee system – C4 chairman Lord Burns is particularly keen on the BBC eventually morphing into a Sky-style pay-TV subscription service – it has “significant concerns” about the government’s plans.