TV Licence article Discussion

wymondham

Reading through this thread it's obvious how out of touch the license is. It can't and does not cater for technology changes and the wide market and hence now seems ridiculous to those who read the terms...


It's a little like the NHS - everyone can see what does not work, but Government seems weak to make the necessary changes, preferring 'what has always been', This position will become unviable and quite quickly I think as viewing habits change.


All media should be pay per view. I don't like sport, so don't pay for Sky Sports - happy for others to if that's their bag etc..


I know the main argument is public service broadcasting. I take this to be factual documentaries and educational programs. To be honest there isn't that much on BBC now that fills this requirement, certainly nothing like that available on YouTube, which has brilliant viewing.


If the BBC have confidence in their output then they should be confident people would pay for it on demand. The fact they stick to the license fee shows they are 'comfortable' and complacent.


As the license fee cannot be justified I think people should do all they can to avoid having to pay it (staying within the law). I hear 1000 people a day are cancelling their TV license, so maybe this will highlight changes are needed. People will pay a tax if they feel it is fair.

[Deleted User]

Stephenbw wrote: »

I choose the programmes I watch, not the channel.

That's the beauty of living LLF using only catch up

PS - Using only catch-up opens up a whole new world of FreeView TV I never knew existed... On the odd occasion we turn on the telly over tea-time it was always the usual dross, East Enders, Emerdale Farm, River City.......... So now I have to browse to see what's been broadcast, for example, we're watching the amazing sharks documentary on iPlayer. In just over a month i'll be diving with sharks again out in the Indian Ocean

At the end of the day this is a problem the BBC played a big part in creating so they should be looking at solutions not wasting money on bullying. In saying that, fingers crossed, I've never had so much as a peep out of them, yet...

Cheers

cw18

supergabs wrote: »

My husband and I live with his Mum, who is 84 years old. We have always assumed we don't need a TV license due to her age but as we share ownership of the house with her are we liable?

As long as you have a free licence for the household in her name they you're fine
(I assume you're all in the same building, and she's not in a granny annexe or portion of house with own front door?)

phoenix_w

wymondham wrote: »

If the BBC have confidence in their output then they should be confident people would pay for it on demand. The fact they stick to the license fee shows they are 'comfortable' and complacent.

The problem is that people are idiots that don't know what they want. If you have them the option of "saving 140 quid a year if they don't watch strictly" they'd probably jump at the chance without thinking of the consequences. If the beeb had to start charging they'd have to charge a boatload because the economies of scale aren't there, or they'd have to go full on commercial and produce the same ratings grabbing bilge on all outlets.

It's only then that people would bemoan the lack of commercially unviable niche programming they used to enjoy, get upset because the only vaguely impartial news website had become a carbon copy of the daily mail and turn off their radios as the stations change from serving their audiences needs to playing the latest Beyonce record 400 times a day between oft advert breaks.

I think the beeb's remit makes it special and worth protecting, I think of it as a public service - I don't currently make use of many services I pay for through the various ways I'm taxed, yet I'm glad the vast majority of them are there and don't mind that I have to do my bit.

cw18

phoenix_w wrote: »

The problem is that people are idiots that don't know what they want.

What I want is the LEGAL right to watch shows not funded by this archaic fee at the same time as friends and family, without having to support a company that I don't like and who's services I don't ever use.

I know a LOT of people who pay the licence fee but NEVER watch BBC channels. If all people like that went LLF for even a couple of years I think it would show the BBC that people have had enough and that they need to change things.

wymondham

cw18 wrote: »

I know a LOT of people who pay the licence fee but NEVER watch BBC channels.

This is why there is no hurry to address the issue... why would they?


Bit like Gym membership when you never go - at least that's optional though!

phoenix_w

cw18 wrote: »

What I want is the LEGAL right to watch shows not funded by this archaic fee at the same time as friends and family

You can, Just go and watch it at a premises which is licensed.

wymondham

phoenix_w wrote: »

I think the beeb's remit makes it special and worth protecting, I think of it as a public service - I don't currently make use of many services I pay for through the various ways I'm taxed, yet I'm glad the vast majority of them are there and don't mind that I have to do my bit.

Your views I think are true of a lessening amount of people. Many people are starting to question the BBC and hold them to account (as in any business). I'd recommend you get a copy of the BBC accounts and see where exactly they spend your money, and they do this because they have a guaranteed income regardless of their actions. There is huge scope for them to become efficient and competitive, but they do not need to as there is no incentive..

cw18

phoenix_w wrote: »

You can, Just go and watch it at a premises which is licensed.

I'm at such a property all of next week, but if the set gets put on at all it'll be for American shows on freeview - many of which I have on DVD at home!

It was when I realised these were the only things I ever watched that I decided to ditch my licence.

Doesn't mean I don't want the right to be able to watch as they're transmitted at home though

phoenix_w

cw18 wrote: »

I'm at such a property all of next week, but if the set gets put on at all it'll be for American shows on freeview - many of which I have on DVD at home!

When you're making use of the freeview EPG you're using something that's partially funded by 'auntie', and if any of those US shows are on PSB1 or 3 multiplexes then there's auntie's money used there as well...