BBC plans for end of the licence fee as we know it
The BBC warned that the the licence fee is in “irreversible” decline and urged the Government to back a new, “fairer” funding mechanism, which could see people pay less.
Rising levels of evasion and non-payment, which cost the corporation more than £1bn last year, require an overhaul of a charge “designed for another era”, which is set to rise to £180 in April...
In its proposals to change the licence fee, which last year brought in £3.8bn of revenue, the BBC pointed to the German system where citizens pay a “digital public service media” tax of €18.36 (£16) per month regardless of whether they watch or listen to the nation’s equivalent of the BBC...
In a stark warning to the Government, Tim Davie, the outgoing director general, said: “The choice is clear: back the BBC or watch it decline, the status quo is not an option.
“Clear decisions are needed to ensure the BBC is funded sustainably and fairly so it can continue to deliver, both for audiences and the country.”
There is at least some interest to be gleaned from the way language is distorted here. Not much though, this creepy idea has been foreseen for years, it can't possibly be imposed honestly so they don't bother.
a new, “fairer” funding mechanism
a “digital public service media” tax
ensure the BBC is funded sustainably and fairly
9 comments:
I have a better idea for the Far Left BBC.
Stop trying to prop yourselves up by forced taxation and produce things the the tax units will willingly pay for.
Have a look at what you used to produce before the 90's.
Either that or just feck off!
Mike - yes, somehow it's our fault for being unwilling to pay for dross and bias.
It's the old self interest dodge of debating the means of paying for the service and deftly avoiding the question of whether or not we still need the BBC.
Years ago there were a few broadcast channels. Now there are many many broadcast channels and the internet plus 'free' radio channels. Do we still need the BBC for anything beyond nostalgia?
DJ - yes, the basic issues are never tackled. Why do we still need it? Why does funding have to be compulsory?
"Do we still need the BBC for anything beyond nostalgia?"
Do we even need them for that? I stumbled on Freeview channel "Rewind TV" this week - it happened to be playing the brilliant 90's series "Drop The Dead Donkey". I had forgotten how good this was, and have now set my recorder to save the rest.
Here in New Zealand there is no licence fee. If you want to watch tv, you just go to the retailer and buy whatever you like and afford. There is a national tv and radio service but they survive on a small handout from the government and advertising.The market is filled with streaming services which seem to cater for every taste. I have not watched broadcast tv for years as I hate the continual interruption by inane adverts. The BBC needs to realise that the glory days with no competition are long gone. Sacking at least half of the staff would help to balance the books
Up to about 10 years ago I could put an 'X' in a box on my French Tax Return and not pay the TV Tax as I had no TV.
The law changed and everyone, who pays Income Tax, now pay it automatically.
Be careful that the Government and the BBC do not make this change in the UK.
Watch it decline would be my option. We still pay a licence because Mrs B insists on it, but many people don't need one, so the forced taxation option would see people paying for something they don't use, which is not right.
Subscription or advertising is the only real option, but they won't go for it as they won't get enough money, or at least the large amounts they are used to
Dave - a subscription service would probably do that, push them into making more of the old material or just sell the rights to it.
John - your system sounds like a way forward, although the BBC would probably make sure the handout wasn't small.
DAD - I reckon that is just what our government will do, it has probably been decided already.
Bucko - the trouble is, the BBC intends to do something about the decline and probably has enough clout to swing it. Yes, subscription wouldn't allow them to live the life they have become accustomed to for decades.
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