BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Well, it looks as though it is finally happening. The new Conservative Government is so angry with the Beeb over left wing bias by BBC interviewers and the flagship Radio 4 'Today' programme that it has indicated it is now prepared to consider scrapping the licence fee.

I suspect that this will be difficult (but not impossible) to achieve, mainly because anyone with older TV sets will not be able to 'unlock' the channels with a subscription, which appears to be the favoured means of achieving this change. The same problem is not presented for customers with a Sky, VM, BT or Talk Talk TV subscription or those with access to Freeview Play, etc. So this move will not be popular with pensioners, many of whom will not be able to afford to buy new equipment.

Radio will be a bigger problem, as most radio users will be able to continue to have free access to all their favourite radio stations, whether they subscribe or not.

I am an advocate of scrapping the licence fee to replace the current licence fee model, but I was not expecting this to be accomplished until the 2030s. I cannot see how they can implement this over the short term without upsetting rather a lot of people.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how this problem will be overcome?

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Ads.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Ha ha! Yes, might not go down well, apart from on Radio 1!

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

The licence fee runs until 2027 and the fee itself to come up in 2022. I think most people, including the BBC, do expect the model to change in 2027.

Until then I think this is more about positioning and PR from the Government than any practical proposals they might have. Not doing the Andrew Neil interview, boycotting Today and only going to 'friendly' outlets is a more distributing trend but it's one we're seeing across politics these days.

---------- Post added at 19:21 ---------- Previous post was at 19:16 ----------

The BBC would run fine with ads but it'll ITV, Channel 4 and the rest that will worry about the BBC entering that market.

The most likely scenario is the BBC has a hybrid subscription model whereby some content is locked behind a paywall of sorts but the Government gives them money to air some of that programming for free on standard television and radio. Additionally they'll continue to provide public service broadcasting and news as part of that remit. The BBC has been increasingly aggressive about BBC Worldwide in their attempt to draw in revenue from abroad too which might allow them to survive without ads in the U.K.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Quite a few of the big projects are co-produced(ie funded) with others.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

It it does become a subscription, folks could end up paying considerably more. Compare the licence fee against what Sky or Virgin charge annually.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Only those who want it.

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Well it you want quality original British drama that's the envy of the world, go for the BBC. If you want imported US crap and repeats go for Sky/VM.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I go for neither.

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I would have thought a left leaning liberal such as yourself would have gladly seen off a universal tax such as the licence fee.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

How much is actually fully made by the BBC?

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

You thought wrong then (and it isn't universal, no TV, then no fee). However the fact the fee is widespread is why its so cheap (£13 a month) compared to other providers, and it produces more original programming.

There isn't a profit motive with the BBC, anything made goes back into programming, unlike commercial channels where if it doesn't make money, it's not made. That's why it's output unique and high quality, it has a public service remit. It goes beyond TV with national and local radio and ad free website. Mess with it and it'll become another down-market Sky/ITV and cost more, with less original output.

Is it my imagination or have we had several BBC licence fee bashing threads like this before, mostly started by OB ? ;)

---------- Post added at 21:43 ---------- Previous post was at 21:41 ----------

The fact it's original programming is the important factor.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

The percentage is determined by the charter. I don’t know offhand but for first-run drama I’ve a feeling it’s roughly half and half. That’s not to say the rest is imported - what the BBC doesn’t make in-house it commissions. This became a thing in the 1980s as a deliberate decision of Thatcher’s government to stimulate independent tv production in the UK. We have a vibrant film and TV production industry in the UK as a result. It doubtless helps that the BBC is such a massive commissioner of original programming, and of course it is able to do so because the licence fee guarantees it a large and reliable income to spend on such programming.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Never really touch the BBC anymore. I remember when F1 was on there though.

Because whether you like the content is opinion based of course. I find I get better original content on Amazon and Netflix. So in a subscription model BBC, I'm out.

The only need for my TV licence is for Sky sports/BT sports and anything Amazon Live I suppose. So I'd welcome a scrappage of the fee too.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

He means co-productions like Fleabag I think. However in those cases the BBC typically just seeks out the funding alone and still is the original commissioner. The deal usually means that the other funding partner gets it for non-UK distribution. As far as I know the only partner who takes an active role in production itself is HBO.

The BBC and the National Theatre are big reasons why the UK has such a high amount of writers, directors and actors doing well both here and in America.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Not even Match of the Day? ;)

Do you never use any BBC services:-, website, apps, iPlayer, national/local radio, news, weather? If so fair enough, just think people use the BBC more than they realise.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Our household uses it a fair bit and personally l think the license fee represents good value for money as once it crosses the rubicon it will be far more expensive in my view to watch the BBC services.

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I resent paying into what is clearly a political organization.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Your imagination is running rather wild today methinks..;)

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I see it as a way of paying NOT to see commercials about soap powder and nasal sprays and funeral insurance. Worth every penny.

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I hardly think that drawing attention to the government's ultimate intention to abolish the licence fee and asking how this can be done at this stage is 'BBC licence fee bashing'.

I do think it is entirely legitimate, however, to ask why this outdated system is still relevant in this day and age, particularly given that an increasing proportion of the population would rather that BBC funding did not come from people who did not wish to use the service. We are no longer a 'one channel' country, which was the case when the licence fee was set up, and indeed, there is now a considerable choice available for our citizens via TV and radio.

Personally, despite the government's misgivings about the licence fee, I can't see them abolishing it until the late 2020s at the earliest. We need to wait for gigabit broadband to be rolled out across the country before abolition becomes a viable proposition. I doubt very much whether the government's determination to do something about the BBC following the blatant bias shown towards the Conservatives during and before the election campaign will come to much at this stage, apart from the tokenism of decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee.

The Beeb's Charter expires in 2027, and that is probably when a decision to scrap the licence fee will take place. It will be interesting to note whether this becomes a commitment for the future in the mid-term review which is due in 2021.

The big question is whether all TV is streamed by the end of the next decade, which will make a subscription model workable. The change may hit pensioners hard unless the government comes up with a funding arrangement to assist them to update their equipment.

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Your tunnel vision around the issue of IPTV is making it difficult for you to understand the issues that are actually at play here.

IP is just another means of delivering television. On-demand streaming is just another way of delivering television. There is no reason why the addition of a new delivery mechanism should alter the fundamental proposition behind the TV licence. The introduction of cable and satellite delivery didn’t, and arguably they should have because at a stroke there were about 20 times more channels available the day after Sky launched than the day before.

The very most that universal gigabit broadband might do is justify DTT switch-off, but even here complete switchover of the National free to air tv infrastructure operates on a very long lead time. Analogue switch-off occurred 14 years after the first DTT service launched. The final VHF broadcast was 20 years after the first UHF service.

The TV licence doesn’t exist to support TV delivered in any particular way. History shows that TV has moved every couple of decades to whatever broadcast standard best suited the medium at the time, with the number of channels and over-the-top services constantly increasing. The TV licence exists to ensure there is a universal news, arts and entertainment service, accessible to all, covering a broad range of interests, at a sustained, high quality.

Arguments about the abolition of the TV licence will have to address the market’s ability to adequately meet these needs without government intervention (which is in essence what the licence system is).

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I think you misunderstand my point. If you currently receive all your channels via the TV transmitters on your unconnected TV set, the subscription model won't work. That's why I think we will have to wait until everyone accesses their TV channels via IPTV.

I understand perfectly that IPTV is just another method of delivering TV - I'm not sure why you thought I did not know this! Whether or not we still have the licence fee once that is fully rolled out will be a political decision, of course.

In terms of government funding, it would appear that money will be available from government for those channels broadcasting public service programming, so that is fairly straight forward.

I don't think it will take much time to switch off DTT - the spectrum will be needed desperately for other purposes.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I'd rather be able to choose which providers that did not show commercials I subscribed to.

Incidentally, I've just seen that Rishi Sunak, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has confirmed that subscriptions will not replace the licence fee before 2027.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Ah well maybe wait till 2027 before you start yet another BBC Licence fee thread then OB? ;)

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

It would be immensely difficult to do that anyway, as the BBC’s funding arrangements are enshrined in a Royal charter that doesn’t expire until 2027. However what’s really happening here is the groundwork for a debate that will occur in earnest from about 2024 when discussion about the next charter begins.

Personally I think, when it comes to it, that a charter-mandated subscription paywall would be politically impossible to implement, because the charter also details the services the BBC must deliver. The draft charter would therefore lay bare just how far BBC services would have to be cut in order for the organisation to get by on its projected subscription income, which would inevitably be rather smaller than its present licence fee income. When confronted with the loss of a great deal of output that by itself is quite niche, a coalition of lovers of the BBC’s niche output, amounting to quite a large number of people, is likely to result in any such plan being sidelined.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I think what will happen is that the government will revise its definition of public service broadcasting and ensure that the appropriate range of programming is maintained. The channels will bid for that work and government grants will be available for those channels that agree to make those programmes. They will not necessarily go to the BBC, although I think the Beeb would, in fact, get the lion's share.

Incidentally, there is plenty of room for cost savings. If the BBC displayed all its programmes on a web site and no longer bought in programmes from elsewhere that are currently used to fill the schedules, a huge amount of money would be saved.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I would not miss the BBC, but Im quite sure it would find a way to survive without an outdated tax.

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I have no doubt that the BBC will survive - that is not in question. Not by me, anyway.

The question is simply whether only the people who watch/listen to it should have to pay for it.

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Give it a rest and pay the fee old chap; they'll come for you in the end ;)

'Call the Midwife's' is on Xmas and you'll love that, worth the licence fee by itself ! :)

Seriously I don't get it that people moan about £150 a year to the Beeb for quality content, when they pay around £1000 a year to Sky/VM for hundreds of channels of crap.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

OB has no real understanding of the licence fee and all its services and value it brings to millions in this country.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Of course I do, and I, for one, will be happy to pay for them into the future. But I will defend to the hilt the idea that those not benefiting from BBC services should not have to pay for them.

---------- Post added at 09:39 ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 ----------

I hate 'Call the Midwife, man!

But I don't hate the BBC, even though I think it wastes too much money. I enjoy many of their programmes and I am personally not resenting paying for it. But that is my choice.

You have to face facts. Sky may cost a lot more, but if that's what you want to watch, that should be your choice.

It is a democracy, is it not?

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Because a majority now aren't.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44862598

With the exception of Now TV, Netflix and Amazon are running riot, producing original content at a much faster rate than the BBC.

So we'll do the BBC's £150 a year to Netflix's £143 (Most expensive tier) and Amazon's £80-£40 if you're a student. For the sake of the hundreds of channels of crap argument we'll tally in IMDB's top list with 100,000 votes or more, this tends to be an up to date list, we're not comparing stuff made 30 years ago. They're voting on how good it is, not how much its worth.

BBC - 4 original shows listed from 133
Amazon - 3 Original shows listed + 3 rated shows available.
Netflix - 14 Original shows listed + 16 rated shows listed. Region locked shows excluded. The Witcher excluded.

So not only are they outproducing, they're also by opinion higher rated.

Basing the licence fee on argument on BBC vs Sky in 2019 is silly, It's very much Streaming Services vs Live services with the mixture of the two, You can have your streaming services but need a TV licence to flick through freeview even if you don't touch the BBC, There's still going to be some form of live viewing. As suggested, let people vote with their wallet. Shouldn't have a problem keeping the cash rolling in from the UK public if given the choice? Except it's very clear where they'll put the cash. As said before, I'd bail out, I'm paying the BBC to watch Live football and boxing, none of which they actually show. We're in a completely new era of content now and how it's delivered, watching live television is declining, a generation is fading away and we're well into the IPTV-On demand generation. Probably worth adding that iPlayer gets a thrashing by both Netflix and Amazon in the UK.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

The problem with the BBC iPlayer is that everything on there (apart from the live streaming) has been shown already. Most people want original programming, whereas the iPlayer is a glorified catch-up service.

---------- Post added at 19:51 ---------- Previous post was at 19:46 ----------

So if I disagree with you, Den, it's because I don't understand?

Anyone would think I was suggesting that the BBC was abolished. I am not. I am simply saying that if you don't watch the Beeb's channels, the iPlayer, radio and also do not make use of their website, you should not have to pay for it.

This should not be so controversial - it should be common sense. We no longer live in the mid-20th century.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Assuming the fee was scrapped. It doesn't have to be doom. The future could lie with Britbox. You ramp up the investment, make originals exclusive to the platform with X amount of British broadcasters on board and those that felt the TV licence was of great value will buy in and those of us that judge the content to be worthy will buy in.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

What about programmes like Countryfile or Gardeners World, or natural history programmes. Highly valued by some but they don't have massive viewing figures. They would disappear under this new regime and the BBC would just become.like Sky/Amazon, if it doesn't attract advertisers/subscribers, it doesn't get made. It's funding model means it makes programmes others don't.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

:tu:

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

This is why public funding of public service broadcasting isn’t going to go away, even if we move away from the current model. In the long term I think all the PSBs will probably be able to bid for public funds to make programmes that fulfil certain criteria.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

So once again you are ruling for the minority to affect the majority. Countryfile - why wouldn't the NFU fund it? Same with Gardeners world and the Horticultural society?

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

You've totally missed the point old chap about quality/value versus viewing figures.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

If the quality/value is so good why aren't the viewing figures higher?

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Certain shows are designed for niche audiences and have something of a ceiling to their potential audience. The licence fee system allows such programming to be made at all, and more than that, to be made at a comparable quality to material that attracts far larger audiences.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

None of this has to stop if the BBC was subscription based.

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No one should be forced to pay the fee if they don't use the services, it is ridiculous.

Image if we also had to pay a Sky fee even if we didn't use their content?

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

In a way you do pay the BBC for Sky content. If you watch a Sky program live lets say Sky sports then by the rules of the BBC tax you must pay the BBC it's Tax.

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Criminal i think. lol

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Additional results on red link above.

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My word, that's a bigger majority than voted for Brexit!

The Government must do something about this immediately! :D

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And face the wrath of the mighty grey vote brigade while they are at it..;)

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Most people would vote to get rid of income tax too, then complain why no public services were being provided. You don't get something for nothing.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I would never complain about NOT paying the Licence fee.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

This isn't about getting something for nothing though, is it? It's simply about a fairer method of payment.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Aye, that's not really a comparison.

Why doesn't everyone pay road tax? If we're making silly comparisons...

I mean that's pretty much as accurate as it gets. Except you can factor in some of those born in the 90's and even late 80's, they too (myself included) have also embraced a new age of media delivery. The BBC studied this themselves in 2018, it'll only have gotten worse since.

It doesn't get anymore conclusive.

I'll make a deal, I'll support the TV licence, but someone pay my Netflix and Amazon subscription, they offer great quality original programming worldwide and even if you don't watch them without the fees, world renowned shows like The Witcher, The Expanse, The Grand Tour and Stranger Things wouldn't get made. Edit: Forgot to mention, it's ad-free. Bask in the absolute absurdity of that.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

No 10 tells BBC licence fee will be scrapped

About time too!

Link

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Worth voting conservative for alone...

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Which will mean the loss of TV channels and most of its radio stations. It will end about with less original output and more channels repeating what the BBC used to make, and imported garbage.

The subscription will no doubt be a lot more than the current TV licence. There will be a public backlash when they realise the implications.

Love the bit about Radio 3 & 4 being 'protected', its almost as if ministers are only bothered about what they personally listen to !

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Cultural vandalism spring to mind.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Quite frankly I couldn't give a monkeys! I haven't watched UK terrestial TV for years nor a BBC radio station, they could shut the lot for all I care.

Haven't paid the license fee for years either despite the begging letters and an inspection every 3-5 years because the don't believe me until they see it. They still keep harrassing though.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

About time they scrapped the BBC TAX and gave people a choice on whether they pay it or not.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

That'll put a stop to the wokeness when they have to EARN the right to broadcast.

Can't come soon enough. We've not paid the BBC tax for the last 15 years. We don't watch the BBC either because most of it is complete crap.

Mind you that applies to most broadcast TV across the board but at least you're not forced to pay for the rest of the crap.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Good for you - sad though that you don't have any concern for anyone who's worse off than you and can't afford VM/Sky/Netflix et al. Still if you're alright ........

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

It's about time the BBC TAX is removed. I have never agreed with it and never will. I say make them go subscription amd lets see how many are still willing to pay and watch.

---------- Post added at 14:58 ---------- Previous post was at 14:56 ----------

If they set the subscription price the same as the BBC tax they will still be able to watch the BBC channels.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Sorry I was responding to Pip's post however it's unlikely that what is made available from subscription will be anywhere near what is currently provided especially as the goverment want to increase the World Service coverage which is hardly a money spinner. But as you say let's wait and see.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

People who work in advertising must be rubbing their hands in glee at the possible incoming windfall ;)

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

No concern at all for people watching or not watching tv, I have concern for people who are homeless or can't affotd to feed themselves but have zero concern for those that can't afford to watch tv or about the same level of concern shown for me who doesn't watch tv but is still forced to pay this outdated tax

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Ironically, the Labour manifesto was exactly the opposite of that statement.

---------- Post added at 15:16 ---------- Previous post was at 15:13 ----------

Well as seen as where I live I can pick up about 5no. Different BBC regional stations I would certainly think they could easily lose a few.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

You're in the minority. Fanboys of Star Trek/ the Expanse etc, are a tiny fraction of the the viewing figures the BBC gets. BBC1 had 55 million watched it at some point last quarter, let alone it other channels radio stations and services it provides. At £13 a month it's incredible value for the original content compared to VM/Sky subs and their 20 mins of ads an hour. Subscription only it would be a heck of a lot more than £13.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/...e-uk-by-reach/
Even BBC4 is watched by more than any Sky channel !

---------- Post added at 15:25 ---------- Previous post was at 15:19 ----------

I would say it's regional services, both TV and radio, are one of the most valuable it provides. Particularly in flood situations like we have atm. A commercial provider wouldn't do this unless they could see a profit.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Easily, a fair few have more people working on them than listening to them...

Oh yes it's tremendous value, never watch their stuff but it's still marvellous that people don't have to pay more for the "service". Wonder why you think auntie won't be able to maintain it's level of output and quality, we all clearly watch it according to the stats so will be more than happy to subscribe, you know coz it's so wonderful

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Again, you're in the vast minority (but like Pip you don't pay anyway, do you ? ).

I'd be for scrapping the fee if it came from another non-commercial source e.g. general taxation. Otherwise it would lose its unique programming This might be fairer from an ability to pay viewpoint. Beyond entertainment it's public service remit i.e news/weather/regional/educational services are often overlooked and taken for granted. People will always say they don't want to pay for anything if given an option, then complain when they don't get anything....

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Actually I do pay it and resent doing so, Pierre pays it to I'd imagine but don't let facts get in the way of anything. The public service remit is an outdated argument to, it's why I turned from pro to anti licencing as from an educational perspective there's many other sources you can find what you need, often more in depth and more specific to the subject, same with the bloody weather

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Ok apologies, I thought you said on another thread you didn't pay, but I'm obviously mistaken.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

It needs to be addressed as kicking the can down the road won’t help things.

I am recently a man in his 50’s. I watch Graham Norton, Question time, occasionally Match of the Day and perhaps the odd drama. I listen to Radio 4 and 5 on occasion. Do I think I get Value for what I pay for... questionable. But it’s not a massive amount so I can live with it.

I pay less per month for amazon prime. Watch Vikings, Picard, The grand Tour and a host of other things i dip in and out of. I also get free delivery on Amazon.

I watch Netflix, for next to nothing, because of the multiple users function to share the cost and I watch loads of stuff on there.

I have Sky, which is expensive IMO, but I watch the football, F1, Golf, (BBC has naff all sport) yesterday, History, sky news (except morning can’t stand Kay Burley), kids watch all their channels and lots of other stuff.

I watch ITV & Ch4

So based on everything the BBC is a small % of what I consume, and I really could live without it.

My kids, don’t watch anything on the BBC at all, and they’re the future. The next generation as they grow up will not be able to comprehend to be forced to pay for a service they simply do not use.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

No you're not mistaken, I move a lot and my licence status depends entirely upon how close I am to my children

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I don't have VM or Sky TV. However there are plenty of freeview channels for those who do not wish to sub to the BBC. Why should I have any concern for anyone who wishes to watch BBC? Should I also be concerned about those who want to watch Netflix but can't afford it?

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Which freeview channels are you referring to? If you receive anything via Freeview you need a licence (see https://www.freeview.co.uk/help/do-i...watch-freeview). I can only assume you fall into the the category of "You don’t need a TV Licence if you never watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel, or live on an online TV service, and you never download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand.This applies to any provider or device you use, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or Blu-ray/DVD/VHS recorder" as defined on the TV licencing website (https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ99). If so, that's fine but a lot of people won't fall into that bracket.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Ah, but they aren't just paying to watch the BBC. They are paying to watch any live TV.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I do not watch the BBC or use any other BBC output however due to the TV tax i have to pay the BBC because i decide to watch a program on SKY. The BBC tax means that the BBC are being paid for another company's broadcast even thou they had nothing to do with it. How is that fair ?

I do not watch or use the BBC at all now as the BBC has shown they are not independent any more, i realised that the way they covered the last election.

Subscription will sort it out.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

As Ramrod correctly points out you aren't just paying to watch the BBC you are paying to watch any live TV.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

When the TV licence was introduced is was specifically just to watch BBC.

Define “TV”?

My eldest watches, almost exclusively, you tube. He watches it on his iPod, iPad, and Mac. But just because he may also watch it on a television, that attracts a fee whereas the other mediums don’t?

It’s farcical and needs review to make it fit for the future.

I’m not saying that I wouldn’t pay for BBC content, but how, why and what you pay for should be reviewed and non-payment should absolutely not result in criminal proceedings. Non-payment should just mean no access to BBC content as with all other providers.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I ask again WHY is it fair the BBC are paid for something they had no input with. Why should i have to pay the BBC for watching a SKY broadcast ????

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Who ever said life was fair? My taxes go to fund education from which I currently don't benefit - is that fair? True I benefited from it when a child but then you probably watched one or more BBC programs when you were little. To clarify you don't pay the BBC you pay to:

• watch and record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service, and
• watch and download BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up and on demand.

This covers all TV broadcasts not just BBC programs.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

But the BBC get all the money of the back of every other broadcaster from the TV Tax. I so hope they get made to go subscription and as soon as possible. It will save me money that i can make far better use of.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

So what. The Government are going to scrap it. Now who should I feel sorry for and why?

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Interesting to see what happens ,

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

What is interesting is that the Govt. have proclaimed the results of their 'consultation' whilst it's still ongoing !

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

We'll see.

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You are, you would still need a TV licence.

---------- Post added at 21:24 ---------- Previous post was at 21:22 ----------

If you don't watch TV, why are you forced to pay it?

---------- Post added at 21:29 ---------- Previous post was at 21:24 ----------

That wouldn't attract a fee. The licence is to cover watching/recording live TV as it is broadcast.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

The licence was originally for radios, long before TV came along. Even though the BBC was founded as a private company it was given a royal charter and the right to collect licence fees as an effective means of paying for a comprehensive news and entertainment service.

It was extended to TVs and eventually the need for a radio licence was dropped. The portability of radios had a lot to do with that change. The “portability” of TV receivers is now creating pressure for further change.

The justification for continuing the system has changed down the years, especially as commercial alternatives to the BBC have emerged, but where we are at now is with a licence fee that funds the BBC, which uses the money to produce content that (in theory at least) sets the bar for quality of output across the British TV industry, particularly ensuring that content for minority audiences is of a similar high standard to that made for mass audiences. While the BBC isn’t to everyone’s taste, by and large I think it achieves that.

Making changes that significantly reduce the BBC’s income is not without risk. The very large amount of money flowing in to TV production in the UK, relative to the size of the market, supports a lot of jobs, and also ensures the commercial spend from advertisers is concentrated elsewhere. There is a finite amount of money to be spent on advertising and it is far from clear that advertisers would spend more in the event that slots became available on the BBC. It is more likely that their spend would simply be spread more thinly, with a serious detrimental impact on other broadcasters.

I think the system does have to change, not because I think a fee - a tax, in effect - designed to ensure universal availability of a quality tv service is a bad thing, but because in this multi channel age we are now in, concentrating all that money on one broadcaster is increasingly hard to justify.

I suspect in time the fee pot, or some of it at least, will be forcibly opened up to allow other broadcasters to bid for money to fulfil their public service obligations. I expect that at the same time the mechanism will be decoupled from the use of receiving equipment. A precept on council tax is one possibility.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

The BBC has its faults and didn't earn the alternative title of Brexit Broadcasting Corporation for no reason.
That being said, it's the UK Government that has banned ministers from appearing on Today and not the BBC.
The survivors who "pick up everything necessary" will most likely be US broadcasters and not UK ones, thus reducing the UK's soft influence in the world.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Best thing the government have done in years

Get rid of the TV tax

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I'll believe it when I see it.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Yeah, no. The Witcher has only been out shy of two months is topping the 76 million mark, that's just a single show vs the entirety of BBC One as you've so wrongly based your argument on. Try again.

Regardless, fantastic news if it comes off.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Um, Mr K is talking about certified UK figures, you're talking of uncertified international figures.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

l was just thinking late last night in that a digital subscription to one UK newspaper for over a year is £312-a-year and that is versus "everything" the BBC provides for £154.50.

Now which is the value Andrew?.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Or Virgin Media/Sky subs which some are paying around £1000 a year for mostly repeated, advert ridden, imported content.

It's political cobblers from the swivel eyed loony right that will backfire. There were equal claims of bias from the left at the last GE. No doubt Mr Murdoch is pulling Bozzas strings too. See some more level headed Tories are having a bit of a wobble about it.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics...detta-against/

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

Once license tax is decriminalised i certainly won't be paying it.
It's time for the BBC to sink or swim under it's own steam,i don't see why they can't use adverts to pay for it,i would not pay to watch the bbc when there are so many free to air channels.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

It would attract a fee because the device (the TV) is capable of receiving broadcast transmission.

Re: BBC licence fee to be reviewed by Conservatives
 

I'm happy to pay to not watch 20 minutes of ads per hour long segment..At least on the BEEB an hour long program is actually that long unlike on commercial channels.