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Originally Posted by Chris T
However, I disagree, because I think those who argue for the abolition of the licence fee based on it representing lack of choice, misunderstand the principles on which the licence fee is based. It has long been the consensus in the UK that broadcast media needs to attain certain quality standards and breadth of subject matter/genre, and furthermore that the market being what it is, simple market forces can't be relied upon to provide it all. The BBC has a charter as a public service broadcaster that compels it to fulfil this very role, and it has a guaranteed income from the licence fee that allows it to to fulfil it. The licence fee is a recognition that every person who enjoys television, should contribute to the task of ensuring continuing standards of quality and breadth of content. In that respect it's not so different from state funds being used to keep open museums and galleries that you might never visit.
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Which is why British TV (and particularly the output of the BBC) is respected and enjoyed worldwide.
However, I do believe the BBC should be stopped from going down the soaps+reality tv+period dramas route