I must confess that I have always objected to the TV Licence fee. Not because I believed that it was being spent on activities I would not approve of but, purely because it is clearly unfair to favour one broadcaster over others. When there was only one channel, that was fine, even when there was only one commercial competitor, that was one thing but, now, the BBC needs to enter the real world. The population needs to stop paying for what should be provided through fair competition. Most of the BBC's modern, quality output isn't even made by the BBC, it is bought in from overseas and production companies. Don't even get me started on the outrageous cost. £145 per year? You kidding me?
But, that's cheaper than Sky.
So? I choose NOT to pay Rupert the Tumour. I can always read a book. I do not want or need 24/7 game shows, celebrity this and that, soap operas up the wazoo, and crap so bad that even American's don't watch it. In fact, the only thing I EVER watched live on the BBC was F1!
But, that's cheaper than Sky.
So? I choose NOT to pay Rupert the Tumour. I can always read a book. I do not want or need 24/7 game shows, celebrity this and that, soap operas up the wazoo, and crap so bad that even American's don't watch it. In fact, the only thing I EVER watched live on the BBC was F1!
I said I wouldn't get into the BBC selling off the rights to F1... About leaving the license fee payers with a second rate commentary team and coverage so poor that half of the races I haven't bothered to watch because, by the time the BBC showed them, Facebook, Twitter and, even their own news programme had given the result away BEFORE highlights were shown on BBC.
So, Forbrydelsen, Broen, Borgen, Den Som Draeber, Inspector Montalbano, Lilyhammer, to name a few, I do not need the BBC for. If they had not appeared on BBC, I would still have watched them. Why should I pay the BBC for programmes I can see elsewhere in the world? There are lots of programmes that the BBC has not made. Do I need a TV license to watch Matador? Old silent italian films? German TV broadcasts from live rock concerts in Essen in 1982?
What am I actually paying the BBC for? Let them finance their own business, like everyone else. I'm sure that the BBC's higher echelons are replete with crooked bankers who can do a dodgy Venture Capital deal.
But, it's not just about the morality of the people paying for something, in which they have no say nor, control. It is about how the BBC has been spending our hard earned £££s. When the Savile fiasco blew up, it became clear that the BBC had, knowingly, allowed Savile and his 'friends' to carry out their behaviours on BBC premises. Far from being the guardians of our morality, the BBC was riddled with all manner of evil and, they actually protected him. You, me, your parents, and your children, WE, the Great British public have been paying for it. I never signed up for that and I don't think you did, either.
So, Forbrydelsen, Broen, Borgen, Den Som Draeber, Inspector Montalbano, Lilyhammer, to name a few, I do not need the BBC for. If they had not appeared on BBC, I would still have watched them. Why should I pay the BBC for programmes I can see elsewhere in the world? There are lots of programmes that the BBC has not made. Do I need a TV license to watch Matador? Old silent italian films? German TV broadcasts from live rock concerts in Essen in 1982?
What am I actually paying the BBC for? Let them finance their own business, like everyone else. I'm sure that the BBC's higher echelons are replete with crooked bankers who can do a dodgy Venture Capital deal.
But, it's not just about the morality of the people paying for something, in which they have no say nor, control. It is about how the BBC has been spending our hard earned £££s. When the Savile fiasco blew up, it became clear that the BBC had, knowingly, allowed Savile and his 'friends' to carry out their behaviours on BBC premises. Far from being the guardians of our morality, the BBC was riddled with all manner of evil and, they actually protected him. You, me, your parents, and your children, WE, the Great British public have been paying for it. I never signed up for that and I don't think you did, either.
So, I decide to look at the wording of the TV License. This is what it says:
Your TV Licence allows television receiving equipment to be installed and used at the premises specified in our terms and conditions.
OK. I'm following it, so far.
Your TV Licence allows television receivers to be installed and used at the premises specified on the licence, and at the other places detailed on the licence, subject to the terms and conditions stated below.
Right. Got it. I can watch TV, on a TV (other means of watching televisual entertainment are available) at the place I say I live, provided that...
Definitions
You means the person named on the licence.
TV equipment means television receiving equipment, such as a TV set, computer, mobile phone, games console, digital box or VHS/DVD recorder.
...I am me and that I have a TV (or whatever).
Your TV Licence allows television receiving equipment to be installed and used at the premises specified in our terms and conditions.
OK. I'm following it, so far.
Your TV Licence allows television receivers to be installed and used at the premises specified on the licence, and at the other places detailed on the licence, subject to the terms and conditions stated below.
Right. Got it. I can watch TV, on a TV (other means of watching televisual entertainment are available) at the place I say I live, provided that...
Definitions
You means the person named on the licence.
TV equipment means television receiving equipment, such as a TV set, computer, mobile phone, games console, digital box or VHS/DVD recorder.
...I am me and that I have a TV (or whatever).
OK. So far so good... That's all pretty tame. However, it is the next part that intrigues me...
What is a TV Licence needed for?
- To use any TV equipment to watch or record any TV programmes as they are being shown on television.
- This includes watching or recording streamed services and satellite TV broadcast from outside the UK. If you only watch on-demand services, then you don't need a licence.
To use any TV equipment to watch or record any TV programmes as they are being shown on television.
'as they are being shown on television.'
So, let me get this straight. According to their own wording, I only need a TV license to watch live programmes...
This includes watching or recording streamed services and satellite TV broadcast from outside the UK.
...or ones that are receivable in the UK and recorded, as they are broadcast. Trying to cover all eventualities, eh?
Seriously? Has anyone ever challenged this point? They are saying that to watch a program that was not even made in the UK, and had nothing to do with the BBC, I have to pay the BBC for the privilege? Surely, this can only apply if the originator is registered in the UK? The BBC cannot possibly claim any jurisdiction over anything that happens to be picked up in the UK, that comes from outside the UK, from a broadcast that is 'alien' in origin. NO, I'd challenge that one, for a start.
If you only watch on-demand services, then you don't need a licence.
So, if I don't watch Live TV, do not record the broadcast, I do not need a license. It says so in their own wording. Proving it is another matter. Who is the burden of proof on? Me to prove I don't watch Live TV or them to prove I do?
What does your licence allow?
I'll save you some effort. This next bit is all about how they have changed the wording of the license, over the years, to try and cover every base and, so that the TV license covers a location, but only by person, not the location. Oh. Bad people trying to steal radio waves!
It's like car insurance. In Germany, for example, your vehicle is insured, not the specific driver. In the UK, the car is covered only for specific drivers. It's a scam, designed to rip us all off. Pure greed. Think about it. The car will cost the same to fix or replace, irrespective of who was driving it... TV License... one house, a number of flats. Each flat needs its own TV License. Greedy Auntie Beeb! Got to pay for the debauched lifestyles of its employees somehow, eh? Should change the name to DBC: Dorian Gray Broadcasting Corporation
Shameful. But, then again, we're British and don't like to make a fuss. Hell, I want to make a fuss. The TV Licence is unfair and ridiculously outdated and Car Insurance is, presumably, only allowed to rip us off because the government makes a shedload of cash out of it. Why is it in the British nature to give in, so easily, to being fleeced by the rest of the world? Rant for another day, methinks?
The licence allows installation and use of TV equipment:
Haha! I particularly enjoy this bit...
Black and white licences:
If all I've got is a B&W TV, chances are I don't have the means of recording it in colour, or otherwise.
And then, covering off every thing that their evil little minds can invent...
Further conditions of your licence
Please note that separate terms and conditions apply to the following types of TV Licence: hotel and mobile units TV Licence, ARC concessionary TV Licence and entertainment units TV Licence. If you have one of these, please refer to your licence for specific terms and conditions or contact us for information.
I'll save you some effort. This next bit is all about how they have changed the wording of the license, over the years, to try and cover every base and, so that the TV license covers a location, but only by person, not the location. Oh. Bad people trying to steal radio waves!
It's like car insurance. In Germany, for example, your vehicle is insured, not the specific driver. In the UK, the car is covered only for specific drivers. It's a scam, designed to rip us all off. Pure greed. Think about it. The car will cost the same to fix or replace, irrespective of who was driving it... TV License... one house, a number of flats. Each flat needs its own TV License. Greedy Auntie Beeb! Got to pay for the debauched lifestyles of its employees somehow, eh? Should change the name to DBC: Dorian Gray Broadcasting Corporation
Shameful. But, then again, we're British and don't like to make a fuss. Hell, I want to make a fuss. The TV Licence is unfair and ridiculously outdated and Car Insurance is, presumably, only allowed to rip us off because the government makes a shedload of cash out of it. Why is it in the British nature to give in, so easily, to being fleeced by the rest of the world? Rant for another day, methinks?
The licence allows installation and use of TV equipment:
- At the licensed place by anyone.
- In a vehicle, boat or caravan by:
- You and anyone who normally lives with You at the licensed place (so long as TV equipment is not being used in a non-touring caravan and at the licensed place at the same time).
- anyone, who normally works at the licensed place (so long as the vehicle, boat or caravan is being used for a business purpose).
- By You and anyone who normally lives with You at the licensed place.
- Any parts of your premises with separate legal arrangements e.g. occupied by tenants or lodgers.
- Self contained or physically separate units on the premises.
- Any parts of your premises with separate administrative arrangements e.g. paying guests.
Haha! I particularly enjoy this bit...
Black and white licences:
- If you use TV equipment to record television programmes, you need a colour licence even if you only have a black and white television as TV equipment records TV in colour. A black and white licence is valid only if the digital box is not designed to record television programmes.
If all I've got is a B&W TV, chances are I don't have the means of recording it in colour, or otherwise.
And then, covering off every thing that their evil little minds can invent...
Further conditions of your licence
- The licence fee must be paid when due.
- You may transfer the licence to a different address if the change of address is permanent.
- A licence may be cancelled or revoked or its conditions modified by a notice sent to You or by a general notice which will be published on the BBC's website and, if deemed appropriate by the BBC, in other national communications.
- Our officers may visit the licensed place to verify our records and inspect the TV equipment at any time, but you do not have to let them in.
- You must not cause undue interference to any other radio or television reception with your TV equipment.
- Your licence is issued on behalf of the BBC by TV Licensing.
Please note that separate terms and conditions apply to the following types of TV Licence: hotel and mobile units TV Licence, ARC concessionary TV Licence and entertainment units TV Licence. If you have one of these, please refer to your licence for specific terms and conditions or contact us for information.
All of the above is mostly crappy bollocks, apart from this bit, which amuses me greatly:
Our officers may visit the licensed place to verify our records and inspect the TV equipment at any time, but you do not have to let them in.
Haha! If they come to check my equipment, they will get so much more than they bargained for.
The last bit is the break down of how the money is spent...
The last bit is the break down of how the money is spent...
The annual cost of a colour TV licence is £145.50 (as from 1 April 2010).
A black and white TV licence is £49.
A black and white TV licence is £49.
How the licence fee was spent in 2010/11
Between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011 the cost was £145.50 – the equivalent of £12.13 per month or just under 40p per day.
Yeah, no one cares...
The BBC used its income from the licence fee to pay for its TV, radio and online services, plus other costs, as shown below.
TV £7.96 per month per household
Radio £2.11 per month per household.
Online £0.66 per month per household.
Other costs £1.40 per month per household.
Not very specific about how that money pays rent for premises and the wages of employees who should be in prison, were they not being protected by the employer. I guess that comes under 'other costs'
Between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011 the cost was £145.50 – the equivalent of £12.13 per month or just under 40p per day.
Yeah, no one cares...
The BBC used its income from the licence fee to pay for its TV, radio and online services, plus other costs, as shown below.
TV £7.96 per month per household
Radio £2.11 per month per household.
Online £0.66 per month per household.
Other costs £1.40 per month per household.
Not very specific about how that money pays rent for premises and the wages of employees who should be in prison, were they not being protected by the employer. I guess that comes under 'other costs'
About the licence fee
Everyone in the UK who watches or records TV as it is broadcast needs to be covered by a TV licence. This includes TV on computers, mobile phones, DVD/video recorders and other devices.
Everyone in the UK who watches or records TV as it is broadcast needs to be covered by a TV licence. This includes TV on computers, mobile phones, DVD/video recorders and other devices.
Everyone in the UK who watches or records TV as it is broadcast needs to be covered by a TV licence.
'...as it is broadcast...' See, that's the part that I like, a lot.
The Government sets the level of the licence fee. In January 2007 the licence fee was agreed for a six-year period with the amount being approved each year by Parliament. More recently the Government decided to freeze the licence fee at its 2010 level of £145.50 until the end of the current BBC Charter period in 2016.
Oh, well, that's all right then. We know that the government is filled with corrupt expenses fiddlers, and who knows what else they and the BBC are colluding to fiddle with?
That's my look at the TV Licence fee T&Cs. It is antiquated and extraordinairly expensive. I know of no other country that imposes such a draconian entertainment tax on its population. Yes, other countries do require a fee, Germany, for example, but it is easy to not pay and, it is a fraction of the cost. Even ffrance, yes, the cheese-eating surrender monkeys, are the next most expensive, and that is still only two thirds of the UK cost.
We laugh now at the Beard Tax, Window Tax or, other antiquated forms of screwing money out of those with the least. But, consider that in a few hundred years, future generations will look back to their history - our NOW - and say:
Why did these people pay so much for everything? Why did they permit their elected leaders to treat them like that? Why were they so greedy and stupid? The planet has everything we need, as long as we are not selfish, greedy, and stupid.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
23rd November 2012
That's my look at the TV Licence fee T&Cs. It is antiquated and extraordinairly expensive. I know of no other country that imposes such a draconian entertainment tax on its population. Yes, other countries do require a fee, Germany, for example, but it is easy to not pay and, it is a fraction of the cost. Even ffrance, yes, the cheese-eating surrender monkeys, are the next most expensive, and that is still only two thirds of the UK cost.
We laugh now at the Beard Tax, Window Tax or, other antiquated forms of screwing money out of those with the least. But, consider that in a few hundred years, future generations will look back to their history - our NOW - and say:
Why did these people pay so much for everything? Why did they permit their elected leaders to treat them like that? Why were they so greedy and stupid? The planet has everything we need, as long as we are not selfish, greedy, and stupid.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
23rd November 2012
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