For UK members. If you own a TV you must have a licence. WRONG!

reply to post by stumason


ha!! Now that is interesting, did not know that.

I know the two I referred to most likely are not related (daves syndrome/dave channel) just found it interesting.



Smeggen hell, I just .. found myself in a full set of Red Dwarf episodes too.. that's a full week of tv right there, and I'll leave it there, the new reboot was rather ... strained, if you have seen it. well, the 3 episodes I think it was they aired. Tired and old it felt.

Cheers for that tidbit though!

Originally posted by michael1983l
reply to post by Insomniac

 

Even if the BBC failed to be broadcast anymore, News International and BSkyB would not be the sole broadcaster in the UK in fact far from it. The majority of channels broadcast on Sky are produced by independant broadcasters. Then there is major broadcasters like ITV, Channel 5, Al Jazeera, CNBC, CNN, and many more to list that are all independant of Murdoch and all produce their own news service. What you are saying is just scare mongering, at the end of the day in this modern age funding the TV license should be by choice and I am sorry it is not a choice that if you choose not to that you cannot watch TV at all, that is called a monopoly, TV license fee is a crime and I can't believe the government have gotten away with it for so long.

Guys like this are part of the problem, why should you have to pay to watch tv?.
the government finds it convenient to fleece you to pay for its corporate propaganda and the programming with on message items, like, how the israelis are great and still feeling the effects of the holocaust, or, palestinians cannot have an organised fundraiser broadcast on bbc, or, global warming has melted all the ice, bbc news is a frikkin joke taken seriously by morons who haven't attempted even the most basic research, these people are very easy to load up with on message bull#, this is why we have a tv licence, and why the bbc is so opposed to encrypting their channel and only making it available to those who WANT to pay to view it.

Did you know jpmorgan chase europe is the recipient of the 3billion pounds raised through tv licensing?, watch the first 20minutes of my previous post, of the last youtube in the reply.
Interesting stuff.
Most people are know nothing morons that cannot be bothered to attempt to look for anything themselves, it has to be spoon fed to them.
I very much dislike that kind of person, Their stupidity affects everyone, and it is impossible to mount an organised coherent defence if most of the members of society are driveling morons that are only capable of denying the ignorance of their own ignorance.

As far as I see it. The BBC is just another arm of the govt and pushs their agenda at us.
BBC = British Brainwashing Corperation.
Its really freaky when you go out and try to talk to people and all they want to chat about is their favorite soap. Kids are now being brought up by the Telly. Which is why the place is in such a mess, as kids today learn their moral guidance from watching soaps.

reply to post by illuminnaughty


That's a cop out.

generally, kids are not that bad and certainly no worse than back in the day. If some are being brought up by the TV, that is certainly not TV's fault but simply down to bad and/or lazy parenting. Same with any other problems that may or may not face kids these days.

But, blaming something else rather than facing up to responsibility seems to be the mantra these days. No wonder the "Government wants to run our lives" (not that they do, but seems to be the thrust here) because many have abdicated from any personal responsibility.

Originally posted by Insomniac

Originally posted by Six6Six
reply to post by wigit

 

TV license is the same as protection money. SO don't pay it. If everyone stopped paying it then what can they do.

Well for a start either there would be no TV or radio in the whole of the UK apart from Sky - that would give Murdoch a rather dangerous grip on power don't you think? Or there would be a large hike on tax!

Please read the thread or at least my post above yours and get a grasp of what the licence fee actually pays for.


The Wiki link from my post above disappeared and it's too late to edit it now, so I've added it here...

Wiki: BBC

edit on 22/3/12 by Insomniac because: (no reason given)

edit on 23/3/12 by Insomniac because: To add link that disappeared from previous post

WRONG WRONG WRONG!!

NO its does not pay for that.....that is such BS. And you used wikipedia...hahahahaha what a researcher you are. Not the fraudulent Wikipedia as your proof. Please learn to source things a little better to back up your argument. Not that you even have an argument.

The fee is only for the BBC and its corporation. Channel 5 doesnt get it, channel 4???? NO.

And whats wrong with SKY...if you don't like Murdochs grip on the whole thing, get off you butt and start a rival firm....but you won't as its easier to pay up and moan for you people.

I do not PAY....the only thing in the UK that I pay is my income taxes and NI. and that is it. I would rather spend my money on strippers and supporting the injured Military personnel in our country.

I dont pay TV license and never will. I have never been taken to court for it in 20 years...never. Had some threats via letter that the next step is magistrates court but I simply put the letter along with a a note saying go **** yourself back in a new envelope and send it to the return address.

I do not support the BBC or its criminal enterprise.

Originally posted by Six6Six

Originally posted by Insomniac

Originally posted by Six6Six
reply to post by wigit

 

TV license is the same as protection money. SO don't pay it. If everyone stopped paying it then what can they do.

Well for a start either there would be no TV or radio in the whole of the UK apart from Sky - that would give Murdoch a rather dangerous grip on power don't you think? Or there would be a large hike on tax!

Please read the thread or at least my post above yours and get a grasp of what the licence fee actually pays for.


The Wiki link from my post above disappeared and it's too late to edit it now, so I've added it here...

Wiki: BBC

edit on 22/3/12 by Insomniac because: (no reason given)

edit on 23/3/12 by Insomniac because: To add link that disappeared from previous post

And you used wikipedia...hahahahaha what a researcher you are. Not the fraudulent Wikipedia as your proof. Please learn to source things a little better to back up your argument. Not that you even have an argument.

The fee is only for the BBC and its corporation. Channel 5 doesnt get it, channel 4???? NO.

Actually, that Wikipedia page is well referenced, some wiki entries are good others less so. I don't post a wiki page without checking it first. Perhaps you should look at it and do a little researching yourself.

Regarding Channel 4, you're partially right. Channel 4 was set up using public money and is a public service broadcaster. It is mostly, but not entirely funded by advertising and its costs for digital switchover was funded by the licence fee (a government decision in 2006) as Channel 4 claimed they couldn't afford it.

Channel 4 is owned by the Channel 4 Television Corporation which is a public body. As with many aspects of Broadcast funding in the UK, it's not as straightforward as you might think.

Just wanted to say thanks for the info OP!
It's a nasty little scam and people who don't even watch the damn thing should be told this.
Well, no more! Cash in the Attic and Songs of Praise can go do one!

And you pay more for a colour tv license than a black and white one but you get exactly the same service it's just that you decided to spend more on a colour tv.

I can confirm that you Dont need a licence if you have a TV.
they came around becouse I never sent the letters back!
he just checks to see if it has a aerial pluged in.
hen left and I never here from them again.
I only use itfor games and videos.

P.S. if ou watch BBC news on the internet
you need a licenes
I wish we could block BBC an watc the ohers.it IS just a TV tax.

reply to post by randomname


It may sound ridiculous to you, my friend, but here in the UK I have not heard anyone in YEARS complain about the TV licence fee (note: posters to this site do not form a representative cross-section of the UK public). To me, that indicates that UK residents are reasonably happy about the arrangement. Now that all TV broadcasting has gone digital, I think that the days of the licence fee are numbered and that we will will move to a subscription-based model in the next few years. It'll be interesting to see how people feel about that, if and when it arrives.

FYI, I was able to watch TV in the pub last night, safe in the knowledge that I would NOT be kicked out by the forces of darkness if the landlord didn't have a licence. The landlord, on the other hand, ...

Originally posted by stumason

Originally posted by mainidh
Supposedly the BBC, being funded by the public tv viewers directly, use that to pay for the content they watch, which is supposed to be free from politics and influence.. lol

As well as everything else I alluded to earlier.

It doesn't just pay for Downton Abbey and Top Gear.

I'm a huge fan of Top Gear! Where do they get the funding for all their stuff? Hiring Schumacher as The Stig couldn't have been cheap. And all the cars they drive must be insured. I'm betting a lot of the car manufacturers donate them for advertising but... if you break it you bought it. In the US, most have some sort of cable or satellite TV, is it about the same? Or is it just broadcast TV you can pick up with an antennae? A fee for that would be ridiculous.

I like having the BBC, thanks

Originally posted by lacrimaererum
its funny how people will pay for a licence for a device that is used to brainwash you.

why the hell dont the governments just take a cut of ad revenue.

Well Programmes are not called Programmes for nothing.
They do what they say on the tin so to speak - Programme You

Originally posted by lacrimoniousfinale
reply to post by randomname

 

It may sound ridiculous to you, my friend, but here in the UK I have not heard anyone in YEARS complain about the TV licence fee (note: posters to this site do not form a representative cross-section of the UK public).

I think there's a bigger cross-section of society here than you think. Certainly in terms of geography, income, age, politics &c.

I think there's a need for a broadcaster like the BBC but I seriously think the licence is fairly expensive (if you disagree, then you prove my point about demographics above as, being on a very limited income like myself, it *is* expensive), and driven-up by unnecessary 'waste' like the amount of money spent on 'talent'. This specifically being a weird argument, as if this talent moves to another station, like ITV for example, we still need a licence to watch them on ITV (in real time &c). Much of TV's talent is over-paid and are holding the fee-payer hostage. Like bankers, the threats to go to America are pretty hollow in the most part.

Arguments regarding value for money are fairly dubious when based on what is on offer regarding the range of services available: TV, radio, iPlayer &c as very, very few people actually use all the services offered in any real amount. My university background is in mass communication &c and from what I remember, most consumers of media in Britain tend to, by and large, stick to one specific media type: TV or Radio &c. Very few people genuinely have a real balance of media formats.

To me, that indicates that UK residents are reasonably happy about the arrangement. Now that all TV broadcasting has gone digital, I think that the days of the licence fee are numbered and that we will will move to a subscription-based model in the next few years. It'll be interesting to see how people feel about that, if and when it arrives.

It will be even more expensive. It always is and the 'consumer' always gets shafted.

Originally posted by AlienStalker
A license to watch TV??? Are you kidding me??

I live in the US and this had me laughing upon first reading the title of the thread thinking it was a joke of some sort. But after seeing so many responses from people and their opinions on it I take it this is actually serious.

What a joke nonetheless! A license?

I read the license gives you access to certain channels without advertisements? Is that what it is about? If not what is the license for?

I don't get it...how did this come to be a law over there that you msut pay for this license to use your teevision? Under what conditions is it required?

I am very curious as this sounds BEYOND ridiculous. The lawmakers would be laughed out of business trying to pass this here in the states, I would hope anyway.

A license to drive, a license to hunt, a license to sell goods like beer and liquor, these all apply in my country. But a license to rot your brains with TV? Next you will tell me that you need a license to consume poisonous soda or something else beyond my ability of comprehension.

You'll give yourself a heart attack at this rate, man. Why is a TV licence so ridiculous, yet licences to drive, hunt and sell beer so perfectly normal? You don't live here, so don't get so worked up about it. I suppose we see it for what it is - a tax. And like so much of what our tax pounds/dollars go towards paying for, we neither use nor want but we still pay. But ask any British tourist who has just come back from America which system they would rather have, free TV US-style, or £11 per month UK-style, and there really is only one answer.

I haven't had a licence for 12 years and the 3 visits I've had from 'enforcement officers' have been pure entertainment for me.

"TV licencing here, there's no record of a licence for this address"

"You are an employee of Capita plc, a company contracted to investigate licence fee evasion, but without any particular legal authority over me anymore than the guy serving me at my local shop. Leave my garden now or I shall remove you physically"

"I need to know if illegal use of a TV is happening at this address"

"I don't care what you think you need to know, you are leaving now" [hand on shoulder escorting said 'officer' to the gate]

Final shot from me when gate closed:
"If you personally return to my property I shall consider it harassment and defend myself vociferously" - with a sly wink which explains more than the actual words spoken.

I ignore their letters and physically escort them out of my garden each visit - they have no authority over us and people need to realise this - it is not up to me to prove I am not using a TV to receive live broadcast services, it's up to them to prove I am

reply to post by grainofsand


On the other hand, you could have been much more pleasant about it, for example by taking 30 seconds to actually show the inspector that you are not using a TV to receive live broadcast services. A lot less fun, of course, if that's what floats your boat (as it clearly seems to).

What if there were a real emergency, say, one in which the fire or ambulance service had been called by a neighbour? I bet you wouldn't be so quick to show THEM the garden gate. Or if they refused to enter, on the basis that they don't have any particular legal authority over you anymore than the guy serving you at your local shop, I bet you'd be the first one to start bleating about their behaviour.

Originally posted by lacrimoniousfinale
reply to post by grainofsand

 

What if there were a real emergency, say, one in which the fire or ambulance service had been called by a neighbour? I bet you wouldn't be so quick to show THEM the garden gate. Or if they refused to enter, on the basis that they don't have any particular legal authority over you anymore than the guy serving you at your local shop, I bet you'd be the first one to start bleating about their behaviour.

Urm, I dont see the link with your examples, and thats a strong assumption to make regarding any bleating I may or may not carry out in life
TV licencing are not providing any emergency service to me, and a pseudo 'official' tone implying that I am somehow expected to provide them with evidence by letting them into my home is unacceptable to me.

Would you allow employees of Microsoft into your home, unannounced, expecting you to prove your copy of Windows is genuine, would you really just simply comply to this profit making companies request?
(Better example I think as TV licensing are employees of Capita plc with no more legal authority over anyone than Microsofts piracy team.

There is no legislation in the UK requiring a householder to assist TV licencing in any way with their enquiries and until such time ever comes I shall continue exercising my option to refrain from doing so.

This is a great find thank you.

I've always been against the TV licence... it's corporate dictatorship.

And really, if the BBC want cash so badly, they should run adverts like everybody else.

Oh wait, that means they won't be "impartial", cough cough.

I cancelled my direct debit with them yesterday for their crappy licence as I don't watch the BBC and anything I watch is what I have recorded from Sky TV . They can shove it where the sun doesn't shine. I'm fed up of the big wigs getting fat playoffs when they leave and that clown Johnathan Ross plus others being paid millions do money for doing F.. All!
My TV is only plugged in for freeview that I don't watch as its rubbish so only have the satellite feed plugged in from my dish for Sky which will be going once the contract runs out as I will be keeping broadband only. Can download anything I want from other countries anyway if I want to see a particular programme.
I would also,cancel my car car insurance as well if I could, but the plods in blue here jump out from stuffing their faces at McDonalds when you least suspect and they can tell at a glance if you are not insured.
BBC should get rid of their crappy channels and radio as I never watch or listen to them anyway, I prefer other TV channels and radio stations so why should I pay them so that they can fo for champagne dinners every other month to discuss how bad they deliver to the public.
So tell me this, if the come here and see that I have only the sat box plugged in, can they do anything? I have 2 boxes, each one has 1tb and other has a 2tb hard drive filled with films etc and not live programmes. Can they do,anything and do I have to let them in?