Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

I've done the math and realsed the output from the BBC is not worth the cost.

The output from the likes of Netflix and Amazon is cost effective though.

Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

Netflix and Amazon’s output comes nowhere near the breadth required for public service broadcasting though. They can concentrate their resources on their chosen market segment. The BBC can’t (nor can ITV for that matter).

Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

Yes, because they concentrate on dramas, and lately they have started documentaries as well.

However, as more streaming services start to make their presence felt in UK markets, we will start to see more documentaries, nature programmes and other more niche stuff coming on the scene, and there will be an awful lot more choice, not scheduled and without commercials, at a lesser price. The money for public service broadcasting will be reallocated accordingly.

I am astounded that you appear not to think that this is a good thing.

What public service broadcasting do you think is important? Are you worried that we will not be able to avoid having to watch this stuff?

Just askin'....

Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

Who said anything about what’s good? As per, you’re adding 2 and 2 and getting 5. ;)

On the contrary, I’m simply observing facts. The BBC has a public service remit that effectively mandates a great deal of its budget allocation process away from the kind of drama output that characterises almost all of Amazon and Netflix original content. If you’re a fan of drama that makes A&N look more cost effective. I have Netflix because I do like drama, especially the fantasy/adventure kind they produce a lot of (I also have Amazon, but that’s incidental to our Prime membership... I wouldn’t pay extra for their TV, the selection’s not a patch on Netflix). On the other hand, I’ve spent the last 2 hours watching Strictly Come Dancing, which is one of the biggest shows on British TV and is also broadcast live, with viewer interaction, so regardless of whether it’s delivered via satellite, terrestrial, cable or IP stream, its very nature means it is and will always be linear.

The real problem here, as usual, is an inability to see the TV licence fee for what it is - a compulsory charge for a broad range of services regardless of whether the payee uses them or not. It’s a form of tax, similar in aim to council tax. The TV licence is not a subscription and trying to liken it to your Netflix sub is comparing apples and oranges. This is why value comparisons fail and why those who argue for the TVL to be replaced by a BBC subscription don’t even understand why the idea’s a non-starter (the U.K. already has a successful commercial model for public service broadcasters - it’s called free-to-air with advertising, and it’s what ITV, Four and Five already do).

Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

This is a bit confusing to me. Can you explain what public service broadcasting you think is endangered by streaming services?

As far as 'Strictly' is concerned, there is no reason why shows like this cannot appear on our streaming services. Have you forgotten about 'The Grand Tour' on Amazon?

Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

I’m flogging a dead horse here.

Where have I said any public service broadcasting is endangered by streaming services? Oh that’s right I haven’t. Just goes to show, the forum ‘quote’ button sadly isn’t also a ‘I’ve read what I’m about to quote’ button.

Yes, by the way, I have forgotten about the Grand Tour. Without the discipline of a BBC production team behind them, Clarkson et al are rudderless old bores endlessly repeating the same tired cliches. It was a lavish disappointment. Not sure how that’s in any way relevant to a live dancing competition with viewer voting though. Neither the Grand Tour nor indeed TopGear were ever intended to be live or interactive.

Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

:clap:

Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

You said ‘Netflix and Amazon’s output comes nowhere near the breadth required for public service broadcasting.’

If I have misinterpreted you, I apologise, but I don’t see how else that can be interpreted.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t like ‘The Grand Tour’. I was giving that as an example that disproves your point.

By the way, I do agree that your horse has definitely deceased.

Re: BBC wants to increase licence fee
 

One swallow doesn’t make a spring, OB. A single example of a non-drama production comes nowhere near making Amazon Prime a comparable service to the BBC. The fact that you think otherwise just proves how unlikely it is that you have any great insight to add to this topic. You’ve been making a lot of noise on this subject for a number of years now, but you know what they say.