Originally Posted by Jimmy-J

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

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

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

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

.