Should the BBC be privatised?

[DonkeyApple]

It's important to get one key thing straight regarding the TV Licence.

It is not linked to television sets in any way, other than the obvious fact that a TV is one of several medium for viewing broadcast TV as it is broadcast.

The TV Licence is purely a licence that enables you to watch broadcast TV as it is broadcast or to record it as is is broadcast.

You do not need the licence to own and use a DVD recorder, a TV, a VCR, a set top box, a PC and iPhone, iPad, mobile phone, PDA or any piece of TV viewing or recording software or hardware.

You only require a TV Licence if you wish to record or view television output as it is aired.

This means that you can watch any TV show you like on any medium without any licence requirement so long as you watch it at a point of time which is after it was nationally or regionally aired via broadcast.

The iPlayer and 4OD are perfect examples of how you can watch a TV show without requiring a TV Licence.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one...

[Fittster]

DangerousMike said:

to be perfectly honest the licence fee is a tax on stupid people.

If you enjoy regularly and exclusively the programming of ITV and channels 4 and 5, then you must be slightly intellectually incapacitated.

Let's look at the schedule of BBC 1 this evening:

20:00–21:00 EastEnders
21:00–22:00 Reunited -Comedy drama in which six former friends reunite eight years after their houseshare ended.
22:00–22:25 BBC News at Ten
22:25–22:32 BBC London News
22:32–22:35 BBC Weather
22:35–22:45 The National Lottery: Midweek Draws
22:45–23:15 The Bionic
23:15–00:40 Waking Up in Reno - Romantic comedy.

Really intellectual stuff there.

[DangerousMike]

it might seem simple to you but it can be appreciated on many levels.

[elster]

Fittster said:

DangerousMike said:

to be perfectly honest the licence fee is a tax on stupid people.

If you enjoy regularly and exclusively the programming of ITV and channels 4 and 5, then you must be slightly intellectually incapacitated.

Let's look at the schedule of BBC 1 this evening:

20:00–21:00 EastEnders
21:00–22:00 Reunited -Comedy drama in which six former friends reunite eight years after their houseshare ended.
22:00–22:25 BBC News at Ten
22:25–22:32 BBC London News
22:32–22:35 BBC Weather
22:35–22:45 The National Lottery: Midweek Draws
22:45–23:15 The Bionic
23:15–00:40 Waking Up in Reno - Romantic comedy.

Really intellectual stuff there.

Here is BBC2
8:00pm Today at Wimbledon
John Inverdale and guests reflect on the main talking points from the day's action at Wimbledon,... (read more)

9:00pm Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and The Stig return for a brand new series. Jeremy asks... (read more)

10:00pm Dara O Briain and regulars Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons dissect another week with gu... (read more)

10:30pm Newsnight
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Emily Maitlis... (read more)

11:20pm Rev Sitcom about a vicar running an inner-city church. Reverend Adam is feeling the pressure of trying t... (read more)

11:50pm Are You Having a Laugh?
A humorous and irreverent look at the way disability has been portrayed on TV over the last 50 years... (read more)

BBC4
8:00pm The Golden Age of Liners
Paul Atterbury embarks on a journey into the golden age of ocean liners, finding out how these great... (read more)

9:00pm Men About the House
Father may be the head of the family, a potent symbol of authority, but he has always been the butt... (read more)

10:00pm The Grandparent Diaries
Documentary series looking at the relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. London... (read more)

11:00pm The Diary of a Nobody
Andrew Davies' adaptation of George and Weedon Grossmith's novel about the diary of archetyp... (read more)

11:30pm African Railway
Sean Langan is off to East Africa to ride the rails of the Tazara railroad, whose passenger and good... (read more)

I would say BBC 4 represents a good selection of Factual based programs as with some on BBC 2.

[DonkeyApple]

elster said:

Fittster said:

DangerousMike said:

to be perfectly honest the licence fee is a tax on stupid people.

If you enjoy regularly and exclusively the programming of ITV and channels 4 and 5, then you must be slightly intellectually incapacitated.

Let's look at the schedule of BBC 1 this evening:

20:00–21:00 EastEnders
21:00–22:00 Reunited -Comedy drama in which six former friends reunite eight years after their houseshare ended.
22:00–22:25 BBC News at Ten
22:25–22:32 BBC London News
22:32–22:35 BBC Weather
22:35–22:45 The National Lottery: Midweek Draws
22:45–23:15 The Bionic
23:15–00:40 Waking Up in Reno - Romantic comedy.

Really intellectual stuff there.

Here is BBC2
8:00pm Today at Wimbledon
John Inverdale and guests reflect on the main talking points from the day's action at Wimbledon,... (read more)

9:00pm Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and The Stig return for a brand new series. Jeremy asks... (read more)

10:00pm Dara O Briain and regulars Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons dissect another week with gu... (read more)

10:30pm Newsnight
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Emily Maitlis... (read more)

11:20pm Rev Sitcom about a vicar running an inner-city church. Reverend Adam is feeling the pressure of trying t... (read more)

11:50pm Are You Having a Laugh?
A humorous and irreverent look at the way disability has been portrayed on TV over the last 50 years... (read more)

BBC4
8:00pm The Golden Age of Liners
Paul Atterbury embarks on a journey into the golden age of ocean liners, finding out how these great... (read more)

9:00pm Men About the House
Father may be the head of the family, a potent symbol of authority, but he has always been the butt... (read more)

10:00pm The Grandparent Diaries
Documentary series looking at the relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. London... (read more)

11:00pm The Diary of a Nobody
Andrew Davies' adaptation of George and Weedon Grossmith's novel about the diary of archetyp... (read more)

11:30pm African Railway
Sean Langan is off to East Africa to ride the rails of the Tazara railroad, whose passenger and good... (read more)

I would say BBC 4 represents a good selection of Factual based programs as with some on BBC 2.

Not forgetting Family Guy on 3

Plus the usual half hour of comedy on R4 at 6.30 which can be excellent.

There is a lot to pick and choose from amongst the BBC output. I rarely watch anything on BBC 1 or listen to Radio 1 but BBC 2, 3 and 4 plus R2 and R4 have good shows dotted throughout them during a week.

I think a reasonable comparison to make is between something like 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Mock The Week. 2 very similar shows but one is just too low brow, it's kind of Nuts TV etc.

[TuxRacer]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/29/bbc_snap/

[Fittster]

elster said:

Fittster said:

DangerousMike said:

to be perfectly honest the licence fee is a tax on stupid people.

If you enjoy regularly and exclusively the programming of ITV and channels 4 and 5, then you must be slightly intellectually incapacitated.

Let's look at the schedule of BBC 1 this evening:

20:00–21:00 EastEnders
21:00–22:00 Reunited -Comedy drama in which six former friends reunite eight years after their houseshare ended.
22:00–22:25 BBC News at Ten
22:25–22:32 BBC London News
22:32–22:35 BBC Weather
22:35–22:45 The National Lottery: Midweek Draws
22:45–23:15 The Bionic
23:15–00:40 Waking Up in Reno - Romantic comedy.

Really intellectual stuff there.

Here is BBC2
8:00pm Today at Wimbledon
John Inverdale and guests reflect on the main talking points from the day's action at Wimbledon,... (read more)

9:00pm Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and The Stig return for a brand new series. Jeremy asks... (read more)

10:00pm Dara O Briain and regulars Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons dissect another week with gu... (read more)

10:30pm Newsnight
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Emily Maitlis... (read more)

11:20pm Rev Sitcom about a vicar running an inner-city church. Reverend Adam is feeling the pressure of trying t... (read more)

11:50pm Are You Having a Laugh?
A humorous and irreverent look at the way disability has been portrayed on TV over the last 50 years... (read more)

BBC4
8:00pm The Golden Age of Liners
Paul Atterbury embarks on a journey into the golden age of ocean liners, finding out how these great... (read more)

9:00pm Men About the House
Father may be the head of the family, a potent symbol of authority, but he has always been the butt... (read more)

10:00pm The Grandparent Diaries
Documentary series looking at the relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. London... (read more)

11:00pm The Diary of a Nobody
Andrew Davies' adaptation of George and Weedon Grossmith's novel about the diary of archetyp... (read more)

11:30pm African Railway
Sean Langan is off to East Africa to ride the rails of the Tazara railroad, whose passenger and good... (read more)

I would say BBC 4 represents a good selection of Factual based programs as with some on BBC 2.

I wonder why you forgot BBC 3?

Lets have a look:

19:00–20:00 The World's Strictest Parents
20:00–21:00 Don't Tell the Bride
21:00–22:00 Peckham Finishing School for Girls
22:00–23:00 EastEnders
23:00–23:20 Family Guy
23:20–23:45 Family Guy
23:45–00:05 American Dad
00:05–00:30 American Dad
00:30–01:00 Mongrels
Destiny meets a handsome dog called James who teaches her the art of the bottom sniff.

A wise use of taxes I'm sure you'll agree.

[DonkeyApple]

Fittster said:

elster said:

Fittster said:

DangerousMike said:

to be perfectly honest the licence fee is a tax on stupid people.

If you enjoy regularly and exclusively the programming of ITV and channels 4 and 5, then you must be slightly intellectually incapacitated.

Let's look at the schedule of BBC 1 this evening:

20:00–21:00 EastEnders
21:00–22:00 Reunited -Comedy drama in which six former friends reunite eight years after their houseshare ended.
22:00–22:25 BBC News at Ten
22:25–22:32 BBC London News
22:32–22:35 BBC Weather
22:35–22:45 The National Lottery: Midweek Draws
22:45–23:15 The Bionic
23:15–00:40 Waking Up in Reno - Romantic comedy.

Really intellectual stuff there.

Here is BBC2
8:00pm Today at Wimbledon
John Inverdale and guests reflect on the main talking points from the day's action at Wimbledon,... (read more)

9:00pm Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and The Stig return for a brand new series. Jeremy asks... (read more)

10:00pm Dara O Briain and regulars Hugh Dennis, Russell Howard and Andy Parsons dissect another week with gu... (read more)

10:30pm Newsnight
In-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines with Emily Maitlis... (read more)

11:20pm Rev Sitcom about a vicar running an inner-city church. Reverend Adam is feeling the pressure of trying t... (read more)

11:50pm Are You Having a Laugh?
A humorous and irreverent look at the way disability has been portrayed on TV over the last 50 years... (read more)

BBC4
8:00pm The Golden Age of Liners
Paul Atterbury embarks on a journey into the golden age of ocean liners, finding out how these great... (read more)

9:00pm Men About the House
Father may be the head of the family, a potent symbol of authority, but he has always been the butt... (read more)

10:00pm The Grandparent Diaries
Documentary series looking at the relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. London... (read more)

11:00pm The Diary of a Nobody
Andrew Davies' adaptation of George and Weedon Grossmith's novel about the diary of archetyp... (read more)

11:30pm African Railway
Sean Langan is off to East Africa to ride the rails of the Tazara railroad, whose passenger and good... (read more)

I would say BBC 4 represents a good selection of Factual based programs as with some on BBC 2.

I wonder why you forgot BBC 3?

Lets have a look:

19:00–20:00 The World's Strictest Parents
20:00–21:00 Don't Tell the Bride
21:00–22:00 Peckham Finishing School for Girls
22:00–23:00 EastEnders
23:00–23:20 Family Guy
23:20–23:45 Family Guy
23:45–00:05 American Dad
00:05–00:30 American Dad
00:30–01:00 Mongrels
Destiny meets a handsome dog called James who teaches her the art of the bottom sniff.

A wise use of taxes I'm sure you'll agree.

Well BBC3 doesn't often kick in until 2300 hrs, after which it is 3 hours of genius TV/

There isn't any point in everyone sticking up listings as all it proves is that the BBC does a superb job of broadcasting a series of TV and radio output that is sufficiently broad to cater for nearly everyone at various points in the day or week.

BBC3 and 4 it also has to be remembered is used as a testbed to give young and new tv producers and actors etc a break in the industry. Another extremely important role that no commercial broadcaster would allocate space for. Just like the news. If the Govt didn't force all terrestial channels to dedicate set space to news then none would show it. That is evident by the fact that they run no adverts during most news shows as no one is willing to buy those slots. C4 is just about the only commercial news show which can actually sell space. However, I am really not sure how C5 can get away with that show with Ian Wright in their allocated news slot, but then for may people real news is too cerebral for them to cope.

[Eric Mc]

Fittster would argue any point in order to try to prove his.

He obviously NEVER watches or listens to any BBC output at all out of principle.

[Fittster]

Eric Mc said:

Fittster would argue any point in order to try to prove his.

He obviously NEVER watches or listens to any BBC output at all out of principle.

If only I could afford principles, unfortunately I spend to much of my cash funding your interests.

[Fittster]

The Public Purposes of the BBC are, says its Charter, the “main object” of the BBC’s existence. They state that the corporation must take the lead in “sustaining citizenship and civil society” and “stimulating creativity and cultural excellence”.

[Eric Mc]

Fittster said:

Eric Mc said:

Fittster would argue any point in order to try to prove his.

He obviously NEVER watches or listens to any BBC output at all out of principle.

If only I could afford principles, unfortunately I spend to much of my cash funding your interests.

Only proving my point - I fear.

And thank you for your excessive generosity. It's what makes life so worthwhile - the kindess of strangers.

Edited by Eric Mc on Wednesday 30th June 18:00

[Fittster]

Eric Mc said:

Fittster said:

Eric Mc said:

Fittster would argue any point in order to try to prove his.

He obviously NEVER watches or listens to any BBC output at all out of principle.

If only I could afford principles, unfortunately I spend to much of my cash funding your interests.

Only proving my point - I fear.

And thank you for your excessive generosity. It's what makes life so worthwhile - the kindess of strangers.

Edited by Eric Mc on Wednesday 30th June 18:00

"In 1930 in order to help free India from British control, Mahatma Gandhi proposed a non-violent march protesting the British Salt Tax, continuing Gandhi’s pleas for civil disobedience. The Salt Tax essentially made it illegal to sell or produce salt, allowing a complete British monopoly. Since salt is necessary in everyone’s daily diet, everyone in India was affected. The Salt Tax made it illegal for workers to freely collect their own salt from the coasts of India, making them buy salt they couldn’t really afford. The British Broadcasting Corporation’s TV Tax protects an unjust monopoly, since television is necessary for information it affects everyone in Britain. It makes it illegal to freely receive information without paying the TV Tax. Information which is essential for civil society and democracy to function. The TV Tax can be defeated – on April 5, 1930 Gandhi and his satyagrahis reached the sea coast. After prayers were offered, Gandhi spoke to the large crowd. He picked up a tiny lump of salt in his hand, breaking the law. In that moment India’s freedom from colonialism was secured."

source

[Eric Mc]

Gandhi always was a man ahead of times.

I'm surprised he didn't protest the government's proposed Internet levy.

[eldar]

qube_TA said:

DonkeyApple said:

mondeoman said:

Even if you buy a TV just to watch DVDs or play on your Playstation you STILL have to pay the licence fee - thats where the extortion comes in.

Hollywood produce them, I watch them - the BBC does nothing to enhance that experience, so why should I pay for them if I don't want to watch (or listen to) their biased drivel?

No you don't.

The TV Licence is solely to watch broadcast television in the live environment.

Yes you do as you are operating equipment that is capable of receiving BBC TV, whether you chose to or not is irrelevant.

Correct. 'Capable' means plugged into an aerial. Remove the cable so it isn't, and you don't need a licence. Fair enough. Keep your car on your drive, no VED. Park it on the road, buy VED.

[eldar]

Fittster said:

[
"In 1930 in order to help free India from British control, Mahatma Gandhi proposed a non-violent march protesting the British Salt Tax, continuing Gandhi’s pleas for civil disobedience. The Salt Tax essentially made it illegal to sell or produce salt, allowing a complete British monopoly. Since salt is necessary in everyone’s daily diet, everyone in India was affected. The Salt Tax made it illegal for workers to freely collect their own salt from the coasts of India, making them buy salt they couldn’t really afford. The British Broadcasting Corporation’s TV Tax protects an unjust monopoly, since television is necessary for information it affects everyone in Britain. It makes it illegal to freely receive information without paying the TV Tax. Information which is essential for civil society and democracy to function. The TV Tax can be defeated – on April 5, 1930 Gandhi and his satyagrahis reached the sea coast. After prayers were offered, Gandhi spoke to the large crowd. He picked up a tiny lump of salt in his hand, breaking the law. In that moment India’s freedom from colonialism was secured."

source

TV is not a necessity, its a choice. You can get necessary information from radio, internet, newspapers or even DVDs without a licence.

Poor comparison, unless it was still 1930 when the BBC was a monopoly.

[Fittster]

eldar said:

Fittster said:

[
"In 1930 in order to help free India from British control, Mahatma Gandhi proposed a non-violent march protesting the British Salt Tax, continuing Gandhi’s pleas for civil disobedience. The Salt Tax essentially made it illegal to sell or produce salt, allowing a complete British monopoly. Since salt is necessary in everyone’s daily diet, everyone in India was affected. The Salt Tax made it illegal for workers to freely collect their own salt from the coasts of India, making them buy salt they couldn’t really afford. The British Broadcasting Corporation’s TV Tax protects an unjust monopoly, since television is necessary for information it affects everyone in Britain. It makes it illegal to freely receive information without paying the TV Tax. Information which is essential for civil society and democracy to function. The TV Tax can be defeated – on April 5, 1930 Gandhi and his satyagrahis reached the sea coast. After prayers were offered, Gandhi spoke to the large crowd. He picked up a tiny lump of salt in his hand, breaking the law. In that moment India’s freedom from colonialism was secured."

source

TV is not a necessity, its a choice. You can get necessary information from radio, internet, newspapers or even DVDs without a licence.

Poor comparison, unless it was still 1930 when the BBC was a monopoly.

It's an excellent comparison. If you take the recent election most political commentators agree that the leaders debate had a significant impact on the campaigns. Only people with televisions could access those.

[eldar]

Fittster said:

It's an excellent comparison. If you take the recent election most political commentators agree that the leaders debate had a significant impact on the campaigns. Only people with televisions could access those.

Balderdash. It was on the internet and radio, and broadcast long before polling day.

[Fittster]

eldar said:

Fittster said:

It's an excellent comparison. If you take the recent election most political commentators agree that the leaders debate had a significant impact on the campaigns. Only people with televisions could access those.

Balderdash. It was on the internet and radio, and broadcast long before polling day.

So people without a TV license should second rate coverage of major political events, even when they are not being shown by the BBC??

[loltolhurst]

25% cuts of public depts should apply to bbc too at the very least. It should have a much, much smaller remit and much smaller wage bill.

and publish their expenses