No TV licence - anyone else?

[SpokeyDokey]

I don’t see the "public service " aspect to BBC TV broadcasting. The programs that some time back would have been "public service" have either been closed down or had their budgets cut to the point where they are a complete waste of time (eg Newsnight).

Other commercial channels (not getting money from the TV Licence) do better in terms of "Public Service ".

These days it's about entertainment and audience numbers.

They have also shot themselves in the foot with scandals involving their public service output being deliberately doctored or influenced to suit a particular agenda, eg, cutting and splicing video feed of a foreign leader to suit a storyline or the deliberate 'loading' of the panel on a flagship current affairs program to suit a certain political agenda. Hardly non-partisan public service content.

And they wonder why licence numbers are decreasing.

I will stop there as to go further would be well into NCAP territory.

 

[Mike_P]

I don’t see the "public service " aspect to BBC TV broadcasting. The programs that some time back would have been "public service" have either been closed down or had their budgets cut to the point where they are a complete waste of time (eg Newsnight).

Other commercial channels (not getting money from the TV Licence) do better in terms of "Public Service ".

These days it's about entertainment and audience numbers.

Maybe the case with BBC1 , but BBC2, BBC4, BBC News channel, BBC Parliament ? And the popular programs get sold aboard so generating income further to that from BBC Studios and the U TV channels.

Channel 4 has a public service remit whilst being funded entirely from commercials and its own marketing. Ended 2025 with a £10 million pre tax deficit improving on a £12 million one at the end of 2024.
https://www.channel4.com/press/news...e-revenues-financial-discipline-and-continued

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Just had another text from them and it starts off immediately with the scare tactic

'You will be breaking the law if you watch a TV without a licence'.

Aye, piss off.

 

[Alex321]

Just had another text from them and it starts off immediately with the scare tactic simple true fact

'You will be breaking the law if you watch a TV without a licence'.

Aye, piss off.

FIFY

 

[AndyRM]

FIFY

While that's true, the way the letters are worded is hardly helpful. It's not just the Beeb either, and if this thread is anything to go by it's no surprise that threats are regarded with disdain.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

FIFY

As the sentence stands, it's not a simple fact.

'You will be breaking the law if you watch a TV without a licence'.

It's entirely possible to 'watch a TV without a licence' and not break the law.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

As the sentence stands, it's not a simple fact.



It's entirely possible to 'watch a TV without a licence' and not break the law.

I don't even watch telly anyway.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

I don't even watch telly anyway.

You’re not missing much.