MSE News: Watching BBC iPlayer on catch-up to require a TV licence 'soon'

zugzwang

The BBC benefits the whole broadcasting industry. It's a national asset- we would be culturally poorer without it. The BBC makes the size of the TV and radio industry in the UK so much bigger. So there's enough work for many creative and technical people to make a living. I doubt Sky would bother making original shows here if it didn't have the BBC to compete with. The UK isn't as big as the USA so check out Australian television if you want a vision of life without the beeb.

But flat taxes are always unfair on the poor because they have little disposable income. The money should come from general taxation.

poppasmurf_bewdley

zugzwang wrote: »

The BBC benefits the whole broadcasting industry. It's a national asset- we would be culturally poorer without it. The BBC makes the size of the TV and radio industry in the UK so much bigger. So there's enough work for many creative and technical people to make a living. I doubt Sky would bother making original shows here if it didn't have the BBC to compete with. The UK isn't as big as the USA so check out Australian television if you want a vision of life without the beeb.

But flat taxes are always unfair on the poor because they have little disposable income. The money should come from general taxation.

Couldn't have put it better myself. Agree 100%.

VisionMan

Talking of culture and world class broadcasting standards and content, anyone care to put ITV, CH4 or 5 in that category?

Didn't think so.

brival

Re Abdul Karim," bbc ad free"! When did he last watch bbc tv?
There is only one programme which refuses to allow advertising
(sorry," promotion", of latest tour, dvd, book, etc, etc), i.e. Question Time. Indeed there are whole programmes dedicated to specific products/services, i.e. Film Review travel shows, "chat" shows, etc
All programmes are full of direct advertising.
Why not follow the advertising chanels and charge the advertisers; there would then be no need for a licence fee at all.