Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 35679187)

Bet quite a few of the ones who don't pay use its services, though.......

Originally Posted by Jimmy-J (Post 35679124)

Some people go on as if the the BBC are the be-all and end-all. Like they, or life itself, couldn't possibly survive without it. Life will go on, it's not that important... to me, and hundreds of thousands of others like me, we don't agree with you, we want to have the choice not to pay for a non-essential service without the intimidation and threats of large fines and a possible prison sentence just for watching / having a TV.

I won't be intimidated or threatened by these shysters, and that's why I don't pay the fee, and never will.

Originally Posted by Escapee (Post 35679171)

And the reason is simple. It's because currently it is subsidised by people who are forced to pay for something that they would happily do without if they were given the choice. Giving people the choice is something the BBC are petrified to do, because they know what the outcome will be.

Originally Posted by Damien (Post 35679091)

Some people don't want to pay for art galleries, some people don't want to pay for nuclear weapons or for a large military, some people don't want to pay for schools if they're not using them and others don't want to pay for the social services.

I don't think the idea that you are forced to pay for something you don't use is lost on him. I think the idea that this isn't especially novel is lost on you.

I would categorise the BBC as a similar investment as that which goes into art galleries, maintenance of historical buildings, and other public grants which are deemed to be important to strengthening our culture. British culture and the sheer amount of musicians, comedians, actors, writers and directors that we produce is pretty impressive and a good portion of them are helped into the mainstream by the BBC.

BBC Radio often has played a large role in promoting British acts. Coldplay were given their first airtime by BBC Radio 1 and the BBC's Sound of 'year' has paid a part in launching the careers of several of our musicians. BBC Radio 4 has also given a lot of writers and comedians a platform from with to start as well. Fry and Laurie were given their biggest break by the Beeb as were Monty Python. Mitchell and Webb are a more recent example as is Ricky Gervais and The Office.

If the BBC is just another commercial broadcaster then they will take less risks and won't have a public duty to promote British interests. We will be seamed by cheaper American imports just like Sky, the model many on here wish to see us copy.

Originally Posted by tweetiepooh (Post 35679164)

You can't take a TV tax out of general taxation as some people don't have a TV at all.

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Originally Posted by martyh (Post 35679251)

In other words you want something for nothing

Originally Posted by Arthurgray50@blu (Post 35679306)

IF, the BBC was pay TV service - they would go bust as no one would watch it. Most of my Tv, is BBC for Susanna Reid, and that is it.
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Originally Posted by heero_yuy (Post 35679324)

Don't expect scintillating conversation though. She's not the sharpest tool in the box.

Originally Posted by Jimmy-J (Post 35679286)

Wrong. Now, you just be a good boy, and carry on paying for the things you want, and I'll carry on saving my money to pay for the things I want. :)



Then I'm sure you won't mind paying them the extra for such an outstanding, must have service. :)

Originally Posted by Arthurgray50@blu (Post 35679321)

have you seen her on YouTube - Phew.

Originally Posted by heero_yuy (Post 35679344)

Well we don't pay for the BBC and by the same token we rarely if ever use the BBC. Sometimes it's unavoidable with some links on this site.

I would be happy to pay for R4 in some way as it is a valid service. The TV channels are IMHO not a national "treasure" and should not be treated as such.

There seem to be some here that would have the BBC at any price. Yes, YOU pay for it!

Don't force others on pain of prison to subsidise your viewing.

Originally Posted by martyh (Post 35679335)

Actually i would mind ,i mind very much that people enjoy the service but don't want to pay for it ,it pushes the price up from what is very good value to a cost that some of the poorest cannot afford ,an affordable service meant for all is being eroded by greedy selfish gits using the excuse of 'freedom' and 'choice' to justify not paying the licence fee

Originally Posted by Jimmy-J (Post 35679353)

That's the BBC through and through. You need to put the blame on them, not on the people who are being threatened and made to pay for it.