Scrap TV license fees?

Originally Posted by Bifta

I must attach more importance to a vote than your good self, I'm certainly not likely to change it over a license fee, but still, you get my point, I personally could live without the BBC and I want that choice, I should be entitled to make that choice and not have someone make it for me.

I do take your point ...

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.

[Stuart]

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.

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

I just want to be sure that any news reporting that takes place is untainted by certain media moguls beliefs and agenda.

Public broadcasting has a vital function to play in making sure that in times of crisis there are no conflicts of interest in the news and information that we receive.


Frankly thinking of some of the innotative comedy of the last 60 odd years I very much doubt if the likes of Monty Python,The League of Gentlemen,Black Adder, Red Dwarf or The Kumars would have even been considered by commercial TV.

Originally Posted by Incognitas

I just want to be sure that any news reporting that takes place is untainted by certain media moguls beliefs and agenda.

Public broadcasting has a vital function to play in making sure that in times of crisis there are no conflicts of interest in the news and information that we receive.


Frankly thinking of some of the innotative comedy of the last 60 odd years I very much doubt if the likes of Monty Python,The League of Gentlemen,Black Adder, Red Dwarf or The Kumars would have even been considered by commercial TV.

Here's a good exercise: Make a list of every classic TV comedy you can think of, and then note which channel made each one. Anyone who fancies a go at this can post their list here so we can argue over whether each show is a true classic or not!

I'm willing to bet that the majority of the comedies on the list were originated by the Beeb.

[clairey]

Originally Posted by Incognitas

Frankly thinking of some of the innotative comedy of the last 60 odd years I very much doubt if the likes of Monty Python,The League of Gentlemen,Black Adder, Red Dwarf or The Kumars would have even been considered by commercial TV.

+ Porridge, Little Britain, Fast Show, Young Ones........................... (cont. pg 94)

[NitroNutter]

Originally Posted by Chris T

Here's a good exercise: Make a list of every classic TV comedy you can think of, and then note which channel made each one. Anyone who fancies a go at this can post their list here so we can argue over whether each show is a true classic or not!

I'm willing to bet that the majority of the comedies on the list were originated by the Beeb.

Couldnt really name one
My house didnt have a TV till about 20 years ago my parents couldnt afford it
by the time we got a tv of any kind I was at an age where I was more interested in looking at the start of my carreer and going out and enjoying myself.
I didnt have my own tv till about 15 years ago by which time I was @ work and very rarely watched any tv but did watch rented movies. Still had to pay a licence for that privalege, a few years later I have kidz who really are only interested in cartoon network, movies and computer games.

BBC barely figures in my families persoanl history and highly unlikely to ever figure in its future either.
Hence the begrudged TV licence which I hasten to add is set to become known as "Computer TAX" in the not too distant future.

Why should we finance a corporation that just doesnt figure in our lives never has and likely never will ?

I have never needed or wanted to go to an art gallery either. But I still think that it should be part-funded by the taxpayer. I am not disabled but my money should be used to help those that are.

You do not have an absolute right to decide what you should pay for all the time.

The BBC does so much, itâ₠¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s programming in areas such as Drama and comedy is excellent. The BBC started many of the greatest programs known because no other company had the will or the ability to allow them. A commercial broadcaster would never have taken up the office. Monty python? Certainly not. Drama such as state of play would not be shown on ITV. As they prefere police dramas.

The BBC also provides a lot in terms of other programs. No channel would EVER show programs such as panorama, Horizon and so on. They have many programs to show people about current affairs. At the height of the BNP they showed a Drama called 'England expectsââ‚à ‚¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢, which was amazing. They also played a big part in helping to stop the BNP when they showed that private investigation. After that a lot of people revoked their membership, and the banks closed their accounts.

The BBC also funds many projects to find new and creative talent. They fund school projects and provides education to the nation though some of its programs. They are used as a resource in many good films (look at the credits, many documentaries thank the bbc). Worldwide people listen to the BBC and go on the website. It is a remarkable company that plays a massive part in the fabric of the nation but also is loved and respected worldwide. The BBC doesnt need any new leaders, it needs a leader to stand up and stick up for it-self with the constant attacks. The murdoch news company is contantly attacking it and he (murdoch) hates the BBC and so he uses his news companys to attack it. The BBC is free of such agenda

And this is what happens when they get there gravy train of money back
to the BBC

http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/sto...430295,00.html

Supporters of Mr Martin point out he is not being paid.

Henry Bellingham, the Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, criticised the corporation for making the payment. "This shows extraordinary insensitivity from the BBC," he said.

[Florence]

Originally Posted by Bill C

And this is what happens when they get there gravy train of money back
to the BBC

http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/sto...430295,00.html

boycot the program, if the majority don't watch the BBC might learn a lesson. I feel that IMPO I couldn't trust what he says happens after all he was breaking the law trying to steal from the man.

Originally Posted by Kits

boycot the program, if the majority don't watch the BBC might learn a lesson. I feel that IMPO I couldn't trust what he says happens after all he was breaking the law trying to steal from the man.

I dont watch the Boring Broadcasting Company anyway . But i am still forced to fund this sort of thing. to the BBC

I'm not sure it was wise for the BBC to pay Fearon although there is a logic to it in the context of providing a rounded picture to ensure a rounded debate. I'm certain though that picking up one tiny element of BBC programme decision making does not constitute a solid argument against the licence fee.

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by Chris T

Here's a good exercise: Make a list of every classic TV comedy you can think of, and then note which channel made each one. Anyone who fancies a go at this can post their list here so we can argue over whether each show is a true classic or not!

I'm willing to bet that the majority of the comedies on the list were originated by the Beeb.

Two words "My Hero" and countless other DREADFUL sitcoms. And just to make a point let's look at this evenings programming for bbc 1 & 2.

BBC 1 - A Question of sport (yawn), Top of the Pops (double yawn), Eastenders (more yawnage), My Hero (*GAG*), Comic Relief does Fame Academy (Sorry if it sounds heartless, it may well be for charity but it's still fame academy and it's still tediously boring), then the news (which I can watch on any news channel) then MORE bloody Fame Academy.

BBC 2 - Bill Oddies "How To Watch Wildlife" (wow .. I'm bristling with anticipation over this one ), Gardeners World, Timewatch, Dear Television, Grumpy old women then newsnight.

This is the sort of utter crap I fund with my license fee? It's a disgrace!

Originally Posted by Bifta

Two words "My Hero" and countless other DREADFUL sitcoms. And just to make a point let's look at this evenings programming for bbc 1 & 2.

BBC 1 - A Question of sport (yawn), Top of the Pops (double yawn), Eastenders (more yawnage), My Hero (*GAG*), Comic Relief does Fame Academy (Sorry if it sounds heartless, it may well be for charity but it's still fame academy and it's still tediously boring), then the news (which I can watch on any news channel) then MORE bloody Fame Academy.

BBC 2 - Bill Oddies "How To Watch Wildlife" (wow .. I'm bristling with anticipation over this one ), Gardeners World, Timewatch, Dear Television, Grumpy old women ndthen newsnight.

This is the sort of utter crap I fund with my license fee? It's a disgrace!

One evening does not prove anything. I can list lloads of programs such as Horizion, BBC News and Newsnight, Grumpy old men/women, Have i got news for you, The Office, Yes Minister, Only Fools, Fawlty Towers, State of play, The one off dramas they do, and so on

They also do many programs that teach people, such as the current push to teach people about china. Also the school programs they do. Then too mention all the documentrys they do and all the projects they fund too find talennt and help people. How many other people have an action line oopen after programs to help people deal with the issues raised? Watch a eposide of eastenders which has a tragic story and at the end they show a number peoople can ring if affected.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Damien

How many other people have an action line oopen after programs to help people deal with the issues raised? Watch a eposide of eastenders which has a tragic story and at the end they show a number peoople can ring if affected.

Actually, Channel 4 do for their programmes. Not sure if ITV do, but I think they might.

I have to admit that I don't watch an awful lot of television, but, when I do, it tends to be the BBC channels (mainly 1 and 2), Channel 4 and (increasingly) Channel 5.

[orangebird]

Originally Posted by Damien

I have never needed or wanted to go to an art gallery either. But I still think that it should be part-funded by the taxpayer. I am not disabled but my money should be used to help those that are.

You do not have an absolute right to decide what you should pay for all the time.

<snip>

Don't take this the wrong way Damien, but at 18, you really haven't got a clue.

Last month, I paid over £1k in tax an NI. To go towards stupid bloody child trust funds, and free housing for pikeys who can't be arsed to work amongst other. I strongly believe I should have a right to decide whether more of my hard earned wages goes towards a broadcasts of a Corporation that I have no interest in, just because I choose to own a tv .