Not really since you aren't the only one who pays for the license fee. If you don't like what the BBC spends the license fee, then stop watching TV and you won't have to pay for it.
I went to the Sheffield one last year and must say it was fantastic. I got to try loads of new things and it was a great all round experience. I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in the news or television pres (which should be all of us forumers!)
I might go down to Hull this year, considering my brother is at Uni there.