Quote:
Originally Posted by Ramrod
Ah, but they aren't just paying to watch the BBC. They are paying to watch any live TV.
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Whilst you are correct, it should be emphasised that practically all the money raised from the licence fee actually goes to the BBC. Other terrestrial channels are funded by advertising and all pay TV channels are funded by subscription and advertising. PPV is paid for on a programme by programme basis. The fact that under existing legislation you need a licence to watch all live TV is irrelevant. The existence of the BBC is the only reason why a licence fee is necessary in the first place.
What people are objecting to is the forced requirement to pay for the BBC whether they want to use its services or not. Unfortunately, it is not easy to introduce a subscription model while these channels are transmitted through the airwaves as they are now, because there is no method by which channels accessed via an aerial can be switched off if a subscription is not paid under such a system.
For this reason, a subscription model is unlikely to be introduced in this decade. A possible way around this in the meantime is:
1. All the BBC TV channels are made available through IPTV, satellite and cable with payment by subscription. In my view, it would make sense to upload all content onto a streaming service and categorise them rather than segregate them into channels, but that would be a matter for the Beeb.
2. Terrestrial broadcasts are limited to a small range of entertainment and documentary programmes on just one BBC channel but with an emphasis on national and regional news. This would be a temporary arrangement until the transmitters are switched off. Only selected BBC produced content would appear on this channel. The terrestrial BBC channel would be paid for partially from the public service broadcasting fund raised from general taxation and partially from their pay tv revenues. Of course, advertising would be a means of improving the range of content, but this could reduce the incentive for people to use the money they currently spend on their licence fee on the new BBC subscription.
3. A grant for public service broadcasting, as determined by the government, would be available for all channels under a bidding process once the terrestrial BBC channel is closed down.
4. All BBC radio stations would carry advertisements or be disbanded. The new Sky radio channel that has been mooted to carry Radio 4-style programming ensures that alternatives to BBC radio stations are available commercially elsewhere if advertising is anathema to the BBC.
Those people who are convinced that almost everyone uses BBC services one way or another should not be concerned that people might not voluntarily pay for a BBC subscription. The government could smooth the way by allowing the Beeb to simply convert existing licence fee taxpayers to subscribers, placing the onus on customers to cancel (rather than have people actually apply to subscribe).
Whatever method is chosen (because I have described only one way of dealing with it), the government must address the public desire to abolish the licence fee. The current threats the government is making to the BBC are designed to get them thinking proactively about this. The government is not kidding. It wants to see real change.