tele licence

grannyclaret · 03-02-2006, 23:27

I have just got my reminder today..due the last day of feb,,,,,,,£126..50.. I think its disgusting for some of the tripe we have to watch... i wish i could opt out ...........what your views/

WillowTheWhisp · 04-02-2006, 00:12

I pay by monthly DD so I don't really notice it but I do wish there was an alternative choice.

garinda · 04-02-2006, 00:39

The BBC should have to survive on it's own merit, like every other company. It's the last dinosaur left over from nationalised industry.

The licence fee should be scrapped.

I was unlucky enought to catch one of their programmes this week. The BBC thought it was wise to spend our money buying up perfectly habitable houses in the north-east, and then subjecting them to hurricane, fire and flood to see what would happen. A waste of money and housing.

Madhatter · 04-02-2006, 00:56

I'm sure the beeb have lost it rindy lol .

I pay by dd too so dont really notice what I'm paying out for the stuff I don't really watch.

chav1 · 04-02-2006, 01:42

we are the only country in the world that has a tv licence

i always thought we had freedom of choice but we have to pay for the bbc even if we decide never to watch it

you shuold be able to buy tv's and satelite boxes that wont pick up the bbc's signal

as i understand it we have to pay for the bbc because they have a deal with the govenment to provide educational programs like open university, kids shows etc

that been the case adverts wouldnt hurt between programs and the amount of repeats is digracefull especialy since other channels like UK gold 1 and UK gold 2 are available on satelite/cable tv that cover a lot of bbc and itv shows etc

grannyclaret · 04-02-2006, 02:24

i watch an awfal lot of satelite programes,,i wish we could opt out of b.b.c. .all i would miss is prime ministers questions....and you can watch that on sky news anyway

Neil · 04-02-2006, 07:47

It's time for the BBC to survive on its merits not on Government handouts like at present. Has anyone else noticed that you can't find any decent films to watch anymore without having to subscribe to Sky?
I used to be able to sit down on a Friday or Saturday night and find a decent film to watch. I disagree with the amount of money Sky charge. Whenever I want to watch a film I find myself looking through the French and Spanish channels for one on the many films transmitted in English.

Gayle · 04-02-2006, 09:27

I have a question. I think I read somewhere that they were phasing out analogue tv and in the near future (2010?) only digital tv will exist. That means that you either need to subscribe to Sky or Cable or something like that or you need to buy a digibox. Currently available via digibox you get the main uk channels which includes BBC. Therefore, I'm assuming that BBC get some sort of license from the makers of the digibox to be able to broadcast BBC. Would imagine that Sky also pay a subscription to BBC to be able to broadcast it.

So, my question is - when analogue is completely phased out and everyone has to buy digiboxes or subscribe to a digital service, will BBC still charge a license fee?

andrewb · 04-02-2006, 10:01

The licence fee is a joke. It's so so rare that I ever find anything interesting to watch on the BBC.
They should have to advertise like the other channels, heck maybe they'll even get decent content like ITV and C4.

The only things I watch on the BBC are Hustle (which is like a few weeks in a year) and QI which is also on a huge break right now and only on for a few weeks a year.

lettie · 04-02-2006, 10:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

So, my question is - when analogue is completely phased out and everyone has to buy digiboxes or subscribe to a digital service, will BBC still charge a license fee?

If they think they can get away with it they will....

Neil · 04-02-2006, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

Therefore, I'm assuming that BBC get some sort of license from the makers of the digibox to be able to broadcast BBC.

It doesn't quite work like that. Analog and digital are just transmission methods. The TV companies pay to have their TV channels transmitted whatever the method. Sky pay's money to ASTRA for using the satellites for their programmes. I don't know who owns the terrestrial transmitters but it doesn't matter if it is analog or digital, the TV channels pay to have its programs transmitted. It is, I think, a little different with cable because the cable companies own the network of cables etc. When you buy a satellite or terrestial digital receiver (digibox) the maker of the box gets the money. I think there is still a license to be paid by the box manufacturer to the digital standard owner.

One point I would like to make. Most people don't realise that when analog is switched your video will no longer be able to record terrestial TV. If you want to watch one channel and record another you will need two digiboxs. You also need one for every TV in your house if you watch different programs on each at the same time.

Gayle · 04-02-2006, 11:13

Thanks for answering that Neil. I didn't know so it's useful information.

Neil · 04-02-2006, 11:25

There is loads of free TV on Sky without a subscription (legally

). You can get, for about £20 last time I bought one, a freeview card for a sky digibox so you can get all your usual BBC1,2,3,4, ITV1,2, Ch4 and Ch5 plus dozens of other free chanels. Yes I know some are shopping channels but you get free music and news channels as well. More in fact than with a terrestrial digibox through your ariel.

garinda · 04-02-2006, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

There is loads of free TV on Sky without a subscription (legally

). You can get, for about £20 last time I bought one, a freeview card for a sky digibox so you can get all your usual BBC1,2,3,4, ITV1,2, Ch4 and Ch5 plus dozens of other free chanels. Yes I know some are shopping channels but you get free music and news channels as well. More in fact than with a terrestrial digibox through your ariel.

Yes but you'd still need a licence to watch the BBC channels though.

Debbie J · 04-02-2006, 14:29

As seems to be the general concensus it's about time the BBC were made to stand on their own two feet. We should have freedom of choice as to wether we want this channel or not. So few of us watch it much anymore but are forced to pay for it. It's outrageous and should be stopped.