TV Licence article Discussion

childofbaahl

Just got my biennial request from TV license to update them that I still don't need a license and going through the online forms I think it has changed since the last time I used it. The declaration now has 3 options that you need to select:

1. I don't watch or record programmes as they're being shown on TV or live on an online TV service, on any channel, using any device. This includes TVs, desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, games consoles, digital boxes or DVD/VHS recorders.
2. I don't watch or record programmes from abroad as they're being shown on TV or live on an online TV service.
3. I don't download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer. This applies to any device and provider you use, including Sky, Virgin Media, BT Vision, Freeview, Freesat, YouView, Apple, Roku or Amazon.

The 2nd option is a little confusing as I was under the impression that the license was only needed for UK TV broadcasts. Not that it matters to me as I don't watch any live broadcasts of any kind from any country.
The 3rd option is also vague as I get the not watching BBC programmes on iPlayer but they make it seem that you can't watch BBC programmes on any player such as Now TV, Apple TV and Amazon. That can't be a thing... I think they mean the iPlayer app that may come installed on smart TVs and Smart sticks but that sentence might be misinterpreted by Amazon prime users or Apple TV users...

Cornucopia

childofbaahl wrote: »

The 2nd option is a little confusing as I was under the impression that the license was only needed for UK TV broadcasts. Not that it matters to me as I don't watch any live broadcasts of any kind from any country.

Streaming TV from overseas TV channels concurrently with their broadcast in their home country/ies is something that TVL land-grabbed in March 2016. Prior to that they accepted that it was outside the UK's TV Licence scope, and the law did not change AFAIK. Personally, I would still say it is a grey area as their position seems to be at odds with the legislation.

Personally, I think it is high time that BBC/TVL stated the specific legislation that each of their demands of the public are based on (like the Highway Code does). I think that would make the whole process much more transparent.

The 3rd option is also vague as I get the not watching BBC programmes on iPlayer but they make it seem that you can't watch BBC programmes on any player such as Now TV, Apple TV and Amazon. That can't be a thing... I think they mean the iPlayer app that may come installed on smart TVs and Smart sticks but that sentence might be misinterpreted by Amazon prime users or Apple TV users...

The exact Licence requirement is that you cannot watch or download BBC content from BBC iPlayer. You CAN watch or download BBC content from non-BBC platforms (including Britbox and UKTV Player), and you CAN watch or download S4C content from BBC iPlayer.

The type of hardware is not relevant either way.

They don't send me that particular letter - I am on the "special" database of people who don't get any letters or visits. But if I did get one, I would be inclined to strike through 1, 2, & 3, and simply put: "I comply with the law".

buglawton

Cornucopia wrote: »

...For anyone who IS interested in the live sport on Amazon, my view is that a Licence isn't required for that, either, as long as it isn't parallel coverage to a UK TV channel. Even if it was the same event as being carried elsewhere, differences in commentary and graphics could mean that it was deemed different. Ultimately only a Court can decide on this, and I suspect that TV Licensing would say that a Licence is required (even though this doesn't make sense in terms of the legal definition they are working to).

TVL catches you like this:
Do I need a TV Licence if I watch programmes broadcast from outside the UK or Channel Islands?
https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ16
Yes you do. You need a TV Licence to watch or record live TV, no matter where it is broadcast or distributed from.

Ego_Shredder

https://politicaluk.co.uk/2019/12/boris-johnson-announces-his-first-change-to-bbc-as-newly-elected-pm/?fbclid=IwAR2YkoiVXNED4GZVbeZ4w7hBW8bopRItYlnsP1RgcA1f3H1k_NZpaUBPYkc

Lewie

Here's hoping Boris pushes for the abolition of the BBC licence fee.
Can't come a moment too soon.
That we are forced to pay the 'wages' of 'celebrities' prancing around boosting their own egos, pay multiple 'naturalists' to fly around the globe to film things we have seen time and time again, (including that hypocrite Attenborough), to have repeat after repeat broadcast daily etc etc, is tantamount to extortion.
Oh so looking forward to the so called celebrities that are paid hundreds of thousands a year knocked off the gravy train.
Same goes for the left wing 'management'.
Saw martin Bell(end) waffling on about how it would be a travesty if we 'lost' the BBC.
Well Mr End, we don't all feel the same. Times change.

cw18

That article is factually incorrect.....

The licence fee costs £154.50 and must be paid by every household in the UK which owns a TV.

is totally incorrect, but is something I come across regularly when talking to people. I've had a good number say I need because I own a TV, and I've come across several who are paying when they don't need to just because they own one and believe this to be the truth.

oldernonethewiser

Lewie wrote: »

Here's hoping Boris pushes for the abolition of the BBC licence fee.
Can't come a moment too soon.
That we are forced to pay the 'wages' of 'celebrities' prancing around boosting their own egos, pay multiple 'naturalists' to fly around the globe to film things we have seen time and time again, (including that hypocrite Attenborough), to have repeat after repeat broadcast daily etc etc, is tantamount to extortion.
Oh so looking forward to the so called celebrities that are paid hundreds of thousands a year knocked off the gravy train.
Same goes for the left wing 'management'.
Saw martin Bell(end) waffling on about how it would be a travesty if we 'lost' the BBC.
Well Mr End, we don't all feel the same. Times change.

Don't watch live TV if you feel you are being "forced" to pay something.

Your choice.

oldernonethewiser

My monthly [STRIKE]warning[/STRIKE] threatening letter arrived today.

Not a hint of Christmas jollity contained therein.

Disappointing.

Very aggressive tone throughout.

Wonder if I should get extra mince pies in for the visit of the “Enforcement Officers”?

Cornucopia

oldernonethewiser wrote: »

Not a hint of Christmas jollity contained therein.

Disappointing.

That's a shame - they do seem to be a bit po-faced, though. They could have had a whole Christmas theme:-

Ho! Ho! Ho!

You don't have a TV Licence at the moment, but if Santa brings you a new TV, recording box or streaming device (or even a new phone or tablet) you might need one to watch, record or download TV broadcasts or use iPlayer.

Here's how to get your hands on our special Christmas edition Licence....

Have a great viewing Christmas and a properly licensed New Year.

Wonder if I should get extra mince pies in for the visit of the “Enforcement Officers”?

What about a carrot?

Mistral001

oldernonethewiser wrote: »

Don't watch live TV if you feel you are being "forced" to pay something.

Your choice.

Yes you have a choice not to watch any TV. Although it seems a shame not to be able to watch TV when there are so many channels out there who are quite willing to supply you with it for free. But the law as it stands at the minute requires you to have a licence to legally watch these free broadcasts on a TV set.

The notion of having a licence to operate broadcasting equipment which can receive TV broadcasts is a bit out-dated I think.