TV Licence article Discussion

[Deleted User]

Zapito wrote: »

You are not comparing like with like

Actually, I am.

I'm comparing two opinions.

I continue to maintain that in the eyes of the UK and all over the world, the BBC is a precious jewel.

Based on the first part of your post, I think you mean:-

I continue to maintain that, in the eyes of many in the UK, and many all over the world, the BBC is a precious jewel.

As for your claim that it is considered a jewel, "all over the world", do you have any figures to support that?

Cornucopia

Zapito wrote: »

So suddenly it is no longer a matter of political principle but one of financial negotiation. Whether 10p per day or 40p per day, It's still chicken-feed,

I think you may have misunderstood what I said. I'm saying that I'm surprised you have a problem with what you believe to be the cost of commercial media as you think it presents itself within the cost of goods and services. I say that because (a) you have previously stated that 40p is a poultry amount (and you have just confirmed this) and (b) you don't have a figure for the alleged average cost of advertising to the UK consumer.

I have to say that I find it odd that in the twisted debating logic we sometimes see, that people are juxtaposing a left-wing perspective on the merits of the BBC with an uber-right wing perspective that advertising is irresistible. Weird.

For my position: I don't believe, based on my understanding of the facts, and of economic principles that the cost of advertising is a recognisable and consistent factor in the price of goods and services. BUT IF IT WERE and in the circumstances that it were calculated at c. 10p a day, I would not have a problem with that, not least because it would still be avoidable(*) and it would intrinsically linked to spending (which would be a proxy to an extent for ability to pay).

(*) In the sense that consumers could avoid buying advertised products. Though it may not make their shopping cheaper or better value for money.

Zapito

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

BBC TV programmes (both live and catchup), radio programmes, and the BBC website(s) should all be limited to those who buy a licence?

Absolutely. If you are not willing to pay for it, you should not be eligible to use it.

Subject of course to all reasonable considerations such as including it in benefit calculations etc.

Zapito

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

As for your claim that it is considered a jewel, "all over the world", do you have any figures to support that?

I am not a statistician. On the basis of my experience I continue to maintain that in the eyes of the UK and all over the world, the BBC is a precious jewel.

[Deleted User]

And what experience do you have of the world?

Visited all the countries of the world, have you?

Zapito

Cornucopia wrote: »

I have to say that I find it odd that in the twisted debating logic we sometimes see, that people are juxtaposing a left-wing perspective on the merits of the BBC with an uber-right wing perspective that advertising is irresistible. Weird.

I don't see that at all. Political left and right have nothing to do with it. I'm just talking about fairness.

You say you don't use BBC then OK I can see that you may resent paying a licence fee to watch ITV. But as far as I am able to tell you don't watch that either, in which case you are probably not liable to pay the licence fee and I would support your contention that you should be allowed to live in peace. In which case I suggest that you direct your ire towards those who do cheat and lie to get BBC service for free, because it is they, rather than honest BBC users such as myself, who are the root cause of your problem.

Zapito

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

And what experience do you have of the world?

Visited all the countries of the world, have you?

My experience is considerable, and it is on the basis of it that I continue to maintain that in the eyes of the UK and all over the world, the BBC is a precious jewel.

pandamoneum27

Be careful. if you don't have a license, I watch non-streamed broadcasts of shows and cancelled my license a few years back due to lack of funds. I was only watching on my pc, nothing live or streamed. The license officer knocked at my door one night, came in, i explained i dont watch tv, tv wasnt even plugged in and that i only watch on my pc. I didnt even have a set top box and all the aerials were disconnected etc. He seemed nice, and asked if the tv worked, i said yes but not plugged in and not watched, he asked me to plug in and as soon as i did, told me i was due the licence, i got a caution through the post and a threat of a fine, if i didnt pay the licence fee. I hate british tv and only watch american tv shows on my pc so i ended up paying for a tv license that i dont use. I only use the tv for watching dvds. so I would caution anyone who tries not to pay the license that for this to work you need to get rid of your tv, i cut the plug off of mine after that, but still ended up paying license quarterly. Which is a total waste of time, as i only watch american on my pc. The licensin officers are corrupt, they have a quota to meet, they dont care what the reason is and if you have any equipment in the house that can receive a signal they believe you are due the license fee. If you stop paying and they visit, you can end up paying a fine, whether you watch live content or not.

Zapito

pandamoneum27 wrote: »

Be careful. if you don't have a license, ... he asked me to plug in and as soon as i did, told me i was due the licence, ... If you stop paying and they visit, you can end up paying a fine, whether you watch live content or not.

I am somewhat bemused as to why you plugged it in just because he asked you to. If you genuinely don't watch live TV then you don't need a licence. Sometimes one has to stand up and argue one's corner.

cw18

Zapito wrote: »

In all those years you have never heard any of Radio One, Radio One Extra, Radio Two, Radio Three, Radio Four, Radio Four Extra, Five Live, Six Radio...(and whatever I've missed)? Forgive me if I find that hard to believe. But please note I only said "hard", not "impossible".

My radios are all tuned to a local commercial station. I'd be quite happy to have it hard pres-set to that one with no adjustment available. Like I said, I can't remember the last time I tuned to a BBC radio channel.