TV licence non payment could be made a civil offence - Page 10

dilli-theclaw · 23-03-2014, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

The Times on Friday had an article (behind paywall) which said one way of funding by subscription could be supported would be by encrypting the broadcasts....

It wouldn't be easy, but this initiative would support those who say they never watch the BBC, as it would not disadvantage them.

I wouldn't have a problem with that as long as they encrypted EVERYTHING the license currently pays for not just the TV.

Sirius · 23-03-2014, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by dilli-theclaw

I wouldn't have a problem with that as long as they encrypted EVERYTHING the license currently pays for not just the TV.

Indeed i have no issue with that.

AdamD · 23-03-2014, 14:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by dilli-theclaw

I wouldn't have a problem with that as long as they encrypted EVERYTHING the license currently pays for not just the TV.

Sounds good to me.
Including the BBC site(s).

Gary L · 23-03-2014, 16:26

How am I supposed to watch Eastenders?

Jimmy-J · 23-03-2014, 16:36

And Doctor Who... How are we to survive without our dose of DW?

**Chris** · 23-03-2014, 16:47

I think the writing is now on the wall for the TVL, and I think that is exactly what is the long-term aim of those who have successfully lobbied for decriminalisation of non-payment.

There will undoubtedly be those who were put off non-payment by the threat of a criminal record who will be willing to chance it if there is only a civil penalty. There will be others who see the 'downgrading' in severity as a signal that it is now sort-of OK to refuse to pay. By the time we get to negotiations for the 2027 charter renewal I predict the BBC will be struggling with a serious non-payment problem and this will force significant changes to the BBC's funding model from 2027.

I don't believe the idea of encrypting its services will fly; half of all households still don't take subscription TV and the BBC will not take the chance that resistance to that funding model and the technology that supports it will lead to reduced take-up of its services. We are going to end up in a world where the BBC sells advertising slots just as ITV does, and as the BBC hoovers up a share of the finite advertising money available to our supermarkets, consumer brands etc, we are going to see some other less popular channels go to the wall.

Interesting times ahead.

Sirius · 23-03-2014, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

I think the writing is now on the wall for the TVL, and I think that is exactly what is the long-term aim of those who have successfully lobbied for decriminalisation of non-payment.

There will undoubtedly be those who were put off non-payment by the threat of a criminal record who will be willing to chance it if there is only a civil penalty. There will be others who see the 'downgrading' in severity as a signal that it is now sort-of OK to refuse to pay. By the time we get to negotiations for the 2027 charter renewal I predict the BBC will be struggling with a serious non-payment problem and this will force significant changes to the BBC's funding model from 2027.

I don't believe the idea of encrypting its services will fly; half of all households still don't take subscription TV and the BBC will not take the chance that resistance to that funding model and the technology that supports it will lead to reduced take-up of its services. We are going to end up in a world where the BBC sells advertising slots just as ITV does, and as the BBC hoovers up a share of the finite advertising money available to our supermarkets, consumer brands etc, we are going to see some other less popular channels go to the wall.

Interesting times ahead.

Which will be because they might not be providing the level of service that encourages people to watch. Conversely the BBC don't not give a hoot if they provide good programs because they still get there money via a tax that at this time is FORCED on people with no choice.

The BBC needs to be brought in to the real world and i hope that is about to be done. Ether the BBC finds a new model that allows choice for those who do not wish to watch them and therefore are not forced to pay the tax or they loss a lot of money.

Sirius · 25-03-2014, 20:26

Good news

http://news.sky.com/story/1231467/tv...ce-jail-threat

Quote:

Proposals allowing ministers to lift the threat of jail and a criminal record for TV licence dodgers have taken a step forward.

MPs on a Commons committee gave the go-ahead for a review of TV licence sanctions, including allowing the Government to make non-payment a civil offence.

The move is almost certain to become law, with cross-party backing for decriminalisation.

Even the Labour party have said they will support it

rhyds · 26-03-2014, 11:09

The BBC have already threatened to close services if this goes through and they lose revenue as a result.

The thing is however they managed to **** £100 million up the wall on a failed IT project with no real comebacks and have handed out hundreds of thousands of pounds in overly generous severance packages.

It's definitely time for the BBC to feel a bit of a squeeze on its finances. Yes, it does make and transmit a lot of great stuff, and as someone who can only receive the 5 main BBC radio statons (R1-4 and Radio Cymru) I do have some support for them, but in broadcasting terms its a behemoth, and unlike Sky/VM/BT or any other broadcast platform I can't avoid paying them.

Using the licence fee to pay for the world service/S4C/BBC Alba is a good start, as these are public/not commercially viable services that the licence fee was envisioned to pay for once ITV got going. Should the other broadcasters get a share? I'm not so sure.

One thing is for certain though, if the licence fee must remain then it should be made a requirement that all TV masts carry all multiplexes, otherwise your in a situation where someone paying £145.50 in Cardiff is getting much better value for money than someone on a 3 multiplex relay paying the same £145.50

Jimmy-J · 31-03-2014, 23:57

Why the BBC should keep the licence fee. I'm sure I know him from somewhere?

Gary L · 01-04-2014, 00:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy-J

Why the BBC should keep the licence fee. I'm sure I know him from somewhere?

LOL Carl Waring!

he was the same with blueyonder back in the day. even the staff avoided him

AdamD · 01-04-2014, 00:08

....oh hell, Carl Waring? Scary stuff.

TheDaddy · 06-04-2014, 00:48

So we go from scrapping the licence to every household needing one regardless of having an actual TV or not

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/t...or-longer.html

Mr Angry · 06-04-2014, 02:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDaddy

So we go from scrapping the licence to every household needing one regardless of having an actual TV or not

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/t...or-longer.html

Hands up who didn't see that one coming.

**Chris** · 06-04-2014, 10:29

They've been angling for it for years - this is not the first time someone has pointed out that online broadcasting will have to be brought within the remit of the licence at some point.

I think I can see the possibility of the TVL becoming a precept on top of council tax, with the collecting authority passing on the appropriate amount to the BBC as a 'PSB tax' or somesuch. I suspect, also, there is now a greater likelihood of an idea the BBC likes somewhat less : top slicing the fee so other broadcasters can apply for funding for public service programming.