TV Licence “Unenforceable”?

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

Btw, this "repeated crap" isn't all crap. The Sci-Fi channel, for example.
Lots of repeats are excellent and go round and round - such as Dad's Army, Sharpe, 'Allo, 'Allo. In any case, those "repeated crap" channels don't need a TV licence.

And who made Dad's Army, 'Allo 'Allo? Who took the risk for controversial subjects for comedy, commercial channels wouldn't risk it.

A large number of channels are repeating bbc output and making nothing themselves.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by Mr K

And who made Dad's Army, 'Allo 'Allo? Who took the risk for controversial subjects for comedy, commercial channels wouldn't risk it.

A large number of channels are repeating bbc output and making nothing themselves.

Fair point. But that was then and is sunk cost. The BBC output that is repeated pays royalties to the BBC, afaik.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by Mr K

News, weather, local radio are essential in times of emergency. Commercial channels won't provide anything that doesnt make a profit. They also won't make any high quality niche programmes, or take risks with new content, for the same reason.

100s channels of the same repeated crap, or a few channels of quality programming no one else will do. Be careful what you wish for.

You’re not listening. Such broadcasts can be paid for out of taxation. That is a good example of a public sector broadcast. This can be achieved on any of our five main channels (and their associated streamers) to continue to qualify for their privileged placement on EPGs and TV app menus.

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

You’re not listening. Such broadcasts can be paid for out of taxation. That is a good example of a public sector broadcast. This can be achieved on any of our five main channels (and their associated streamers) to continue to qualify for their privileged placement on EPGs and TV app menus.

It can be paid out of the general tax take, but the reason it is not done that way is because it would create a direct financial link between HM Treasury and the state broadcaster. That’s politically unacceptable, because most of our politicians understand that the reputation of public service broadcasting in this country hangs on its independence from government as well as its quality.

We are never, ever going to see public service broadcasting become a line item on the chancellor’s spreadsheet. Whether it be a future funding model that goes entirely to the BBC or one in which various PSBs apply for grants to fulfil public service obligations, there must be, and will be, a firewall between broadcasters and government.

[downquark1]

Normally yes, but is anyone actually buying the idea that the BBC is independent any more?

Originally Posted by downquark1

Normally yes, but is anyone actually buying the idea that the BBC is independent any more?

Are you seriously suggesting the BBC is taking orders from government?

[downquark1]

Originally Posted by Chris

Are you seriously suggesting the BBC is taking orders from government?

Well I believe the BBC takes orders from the US state department, but that's neither here nor there.

I don't believe the BBC has been that independent since the David Kelly incident.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by Chris

Are you seriously suggesting the BBC is taking orders from government?

Are you saying they don't

Originally Posted by Itshim

Are you saying they don't

I’m asking for the person making the allegation to offer some evidence. If you believe it too, perhaps you could say why?

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by Chris

I’m asking for the person making the allegation to offer some evidence. If you believe it too, perhaps you could say why?

I'll,throw that question back at you

Originally Posted by Itshim

I'll,throw that question back at you

Nope, that’s not how it works. You don’t make a claim then ask someone to prove the negative. You believe something, onus is on you to prove it. If you can’t offer reasons for what you believe, I call BS. Simples.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by Chris

It can be paid out of the general tax take, but the reason it is not done that way is because it would create a direct financial link between HM Treasury and the state broadcaster. That’s politically unacceptable, because most of our politicians understand that the reputation of public service broadcasting in this country hangs on its independence from government as well as its quality.

We are never, ever going to see public service broadcasting become a line item on the chancellor’s spreadsheet. Whether it be a future funding model that goes entirely to the BBC or one in which various PSBs apply for grants to fulfil public service obligations, there must be, and will be, a firewall between broadcasters and government.

If that’s true, the power to commission public services broadcasting in line with government criteria could be allocated to a quango or some other independent body of the government’s choosing.

The budget could come from a broadcasting levy as an example.

---------- Post added at 19:51 ---------- Previous post was at 19:39 ----------

Originally Posted by Chris

Nope, that’s not how it works. You don’t make a claim then ask someone to prove the negative. You believe something, onus is on you to prove it. If you can’t offer reasons for what you believe, I call BS. Simples.

I agree, Chris. But I think it is the case that there is a majority of liberal minded reporters who skew the news to suit their own agenda. The obsession with the climate agenda is just one example of that. The failure of Jeremy Bowen to either check out his report that Israel destroyed that hospital in his infamous report and not to caution that this information came from Hamas sources is another.

I used to admire the BBC a couple of decades ago, but I take everything with a pinch of salt now. It has lost its raison d’être.

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

If that’s true, the power to commission public services broadcasting in line with government criteria could be allocated to a quango or some other independent body of the government’s choosing.

The budget could come from a broadcasting levy as an example.

---------- Post added at 19:51 ---------- Previous post was at 19:39 ----------



I agree, Chris. But I think it is the case that there is a majority of liberal minded reporters who skew the news to suit their own agenda. The obsession with the climate agenda is just one example of that. The failure of Jeremy Bowen to either check out his report that Israel destroyed that hospital in his infamous report and not to caution that this information came from Hamas sources is another.

I used to admire the BBC a couple of decades ago, but I take everything with a pinch of salt now. It has lost its raison d’être.

Well done on confirmation of these researchers findings…

https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox...ut-its-role-uk

The BBC is very widely used across the political spectrum. It is the most popular source of news among both Conservative and Labour voters, and among both Leave and Remain voters. Similarly, the UK’s independent communications regulator Ofcom has found that large majorities of audiences in the UK value public service media providers like the BBC very highly for providing trustworthy news programmes that help people understand what is going on in the world.

Though the BBC is slightly less trusted by people who identify with the political right than by people in the centre and on the left, it is still as trusted on the right as major conservative newspapers.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by Hugh

Well done on confirmation of these researchers findings…

https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox...ut-its-role-uk

‘Though the BBC is slightly less trusted by people who identify with the political right…’

As Insaid, they haven’t got the balance right.

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

‘Though the BBC is slightly less trusted by people who identify with the political right…’

As Insaid, they haven’t got the balance right.

"the balance right" being more in agreement and supporting your views, I suppose?

The words after your quote then contradict your point

it is still as trusted on the right as major conservative newspapers.

From the linked article above

it is one of the most highly trusted sources of news.

Anyhoo, most people seem to think the BBC has "the balance" right…



https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics...ht?period=5yrs