I think we should have a debate anout the TV Licence. Do you not to see what everybody thinks about it.
Yeah. Sure. Hell, you even started a thread and carried out a poll to see what people think, just over three months ago.
Clicky here to see it again. Do you see the results in the poll at the top? They're a wee bit conclusive. If you want to try the poll again, go ahead, but I severly doubt anything much has changed.
Ending the license would not only be the end of the BBC it would also destroy all the non-pay TV services in the UK. There simply isn't the volume of broadcast advertising to go around.
When will people realise that they don't get ITV for free - in 1985 it was estimated that ITV cost the average family at least 1.5 times the BBC License fee in advertising costs added to products.
The License fee is by far the most favourable means of paying for the BBC in that if people want to receive television then they should pay towards a public service broadcaster.
The only people in the business who seriously want the License to go are those associated with Sky and their customers.
I am however annoyed about the proposal that license payers should subsidise the digital switchover by funding the provision of equipment to the economically disadvantaged.
FACT 1. - The BBC license fee is a tax.
FACT 2. - It is about the only worthwhile tax in UK.
QUESTION 1. - Should the way the BBC receives funding change?
QUESTION 2. - Should people who do not receive or watch any of the output be forced to pay for the service?
Even though I feel the BBC is something VERY special and offers somthing that no-other broadcaster can offer I feel that it has become TOO big and has extended outside it's remit and become commercial in parts.
My first point is the huge amount of money pumped into the website. People who do not have an internet connection are loosing out on a valuable service which they are already paying for.
I feel there is no need for a BBC2, 3 and Four! There is such a high over-lap between these three channels where BBC 2 shoudl be scappred and BBC 3 and Four made 24 hour channels with a tighter remit of whatever each should broadcast.
Then we get around to these BBC 'Shops' that are being set-up around the country - just what is the purpose of these? DO we really need them and are they part of their 'broadcast charter' from the Government?
Dont get my worng I like some of the BBC shows like Dr Who,My Family,Hero,Family Guy,Amercan Dad and I may take a look at Hyperdrive. I whish we could just have a choice to pay for it.
Keep it ad free but ran a subscription, And if BBC is so good lots would get a subscription about t 80% would pay.
People know how much I hate the licence fee in principle, but unfortunately it's not going to change anytime soon.
For the BBC to go commercial would have a huge impact on other broadcasters, especially ITV, C4 and five, with advertisers having a major new platform to exploit.
The better alternative is subscription IMO - but that causes major problems with public service broadcasting and especially listed sporting events.
I only really watch the BBC for it's sports coverage, and if the BBC became a subscription service then coverage of events such as the Olympics would either have to be broadcast on other networks, or an exception would have to be made.
And if you make an exception for the BBC, Sky would be well within their rights to say if the BBC can show it, why can't we!
