[Sticks]

In the Daily Star (Sunday 27th July) it is reporting that the BBC is in talks with the government about plans to split the TV licence fee up so those who watch tv but do not have a radio can pay less, conversley there will be a new licence fee chargeable to those who have a radio but no TV.

In effect this is the return of the Radio licence.

As PCs can receive radio broadcasts over the net, this will mean that even if you do not have a TV or radio you will be liable to pay the licence fee if you own a PC.

Already if someone does not own a TV but has a PC that can receive television pictures, they are liable to pay the TV licence.

[AndyJK]

I fail too see how this can be properly policed. There cannot be many people in the country that do not possess a TV and radio or only one of the other in their home. And how will this law also apply to car users, and those with portable radios? It sounds utterly absurd.

[Sticks]

Since when has that stopped them ?

[AndyJK]

Originally posted by Sticks
Since when has that stopped them ?

Nothing surprises me with the current Government and attitude of the BBC who seem to waste the money they are given. Personally I would like to see the current TV license scraped anyway, without them complicating matters and creating more red tape.

[Romantic Old Bird]

Originally posted by AndyJK

Nothing surprises me with the current Government and attitude of the BBC who seem to waste the money they are given. Personally I would like to see the current TV license scraped anyway, without them complicating matters and creating more red tape.

I think the last conservative government wreaked absolute havoc on this country, from which it will take decades to recover.

I personally witnessed their wholesale asset stripping of the NHS, their serial lack of investment in the fabric and substance of schools.

I am currently seeing a lot of evidence of money coming back in to both, although I admit the last year has been a fiasco in terms of funding to schools, mostly down to Charles Clark I fear.

As for the BBC, thank God for the licence fee. They always put out a higher standard and class of programmes, all for about £100 or so a year per household.

Who baulks at coughing up a minimum of £15 and as much as £40 a month for satellite/cable? How annoying are adverts? Despite all that dosh that they produce classics like 'You've been framed', Honeymoons from hell', and a level of cable/satellite shite that has to be seen to be believed!

[AndyJK]

Blimey R.O.B. how can we get from TV license fees to investment within the NHS and schools! Not many people will disagree with you that the last Government made mistakes in both public services, however personally I think the problems of not just the NHS and Schools, but all the public services go a lot deeper than just that, that's just my opinion.

As for the BBC, thank God for the licence fee. They always put out a higher standard and class of programmes, all for about £100 or so a year per household.

Who baulks at coughing up a minimum of £15 and as much as £40 a month for satellite/cable? How annoying are adverts? Despite all that dosh that they produce classics like 'You've been framed', Honeymoons from hell', and a level of cable/satellite shite that has to be seen to be believed!

I'm with NTL cable, and currently pay £14.99 per month for 116 TV channels. It works out about 12 pence per/month for each TV channel. The channels I give priority to are Sci-Fi, E4, Paramount Comedy, History Channel, CNX, Challenge, MTV and UK Gold. No 'Holidays from hell', or 'You've been Framed' on any of them. Those channels alone work out at roughly £11 per year. Good value for money I say.

Personally I don't believe the BBC broadcast quality programmes, in fact far from it. A lot of the programmes are repeats and certain presenters are under worked and being paid excessive salaries. Look at Johnny Vaughan being paid £1 million + of license fee funds to present a very bad chat show on BBC3. And what about that other crime to humanity 'Eastenders' which they broadcast 5 days a week including repeats. I could go on and mention more examples, but basically I think the license fee is a rip-off for what people get for their money.

[splodge0]

If it a matter of taste there will always be arguements.

However, I HATE adverts, fullstop. The BBC is the only refuge from them.

Example 1. Grand Prix cutting to ads when action is live. Did you see the interuption during the British race! Grrr!!

Example 2. Test cricket interupted by ads every time they change ends. HOW CAN YOU FOLLOW A GAME IN FIVE MINUTE SPASMS !!! MORE Grrrrr

Compare BB to Fame Academy if you need convincing.............!!!!!!!!!

I'd pay double licence to be rid of them

[Sticks]

My original point is that by reintroducing the Radio Licence fee, as what is proposed, they will bring in PC licences by the back door as a PC can receive radio broadcasts via the net.

[Romantic Old Bird]

I know Sticks, but we likes a good discussion, we does, and this gave us the opportunity for one!