[Non-footy] Do we really need the BBC anymore?

I must admit BBC4 is one of their better channels as it's mainly all factual programmes.

 

I got loads of those in the 4 years I didn't have a TV licence (or watch any TV). They would say in large red font that if I had a TV I could be taken to court and fined £1000 and to stop this I must buy a TV licence immediately. I also got a pamphlet (on its own, no letter or anything this time) offering me legal advice for when they took me to court. I also once got a letter saying that they had visited my house at so-and-so time and I wasn't in, so they would come back at a later date (or I could buy a TV licence of course to prevent it), even though I had been in the whole day and they hadn't visited.

 

I really don't (or the company I use is owned by BBC and I never knew). I listen to Capital Radio and only watch E4 and Challenge. I sometimes read news articles on their website, but only when people have linked me to them first. I normally just plan my lessons, teach, mark books, eat and read everyday.

Edit: I followed the Olympics extensively and used their services a lot then. That is the only reason why I have a TV licence now, and I won't be renewing when the times comes. Everything I watch on E4 I could watch online, and I've seen everything on Challenge a million times anyway.

 

If you like factual programmes Jedstar I'd have thought that you would be a fan of the BBC because the quality in comparison to the drivel on Sky documentary channels is worlds apart

 

You really should give at least the wildlife programmes such as Planet Earth a go. Although having a wife as a deputy head teacher I feel your planning based pain

 

A private company couldn't get away with the tactics they use, it's shocking. The TV detection van adverts always made me chuckle but they were allowed to tell us a downright lie that many people believed even though what they apparently do is completely impossible.

 

I know I should really as I used to enjoy watching the History and Discovery Channels on Sky when I lived with my parents. I've never really enjoyed TV though, it never occurs to me to switch the thing on to be honest, I'd rather read a book any day of the week.

 

I don't believe you can go about your life and not use a BBC service. It's not expensive so I don't see how it's not value for money even if you only listen to the odd Radio Sheffield interview, a couple of hours of tv a week, browse the website once a week and listen to one of the many radio stations while in the car.

Most people get a lot more value for money from the BBC than they do out of NI contributions. Less than 1% of what I pay, I'll use.

 

You're a teacher who does not like interesting documentaries and your favourite channel is Challenge? I find that slightly worrying.

 

In that case don't buy a tv license.

 

As I said above, I won't when my current one runs out. I bought it to watch the Olympics during the summer holidays as they provided a service I wanted then, which I will do again in 4 years if they are still covering it. However, if I don't renew, I won't be able to watch Takeshi's Castle on Challenge about once a fortnight when I remember it about it, even though BBC have nothing to do with that.

 

I've just told you what I watch and listen to, so how can you not believe I don't use them? I listen to Capital, only visit their website when linked to it and I watch E4 and Challenge (very, very rarely).

Why? It doesn't affect my abilities to do my job. I said above that I do like them, however I do not watch them as I don't have time. Challenge is useful to unwind to; it's funny at times, the programmes are easy to dip in and out of halfway through and it allows me to think about something other than work.

 

Can't argue with that

 

Those familiar with a Smart TV will realise that once you plug a network cable into one there is very little need to watch anything as it's being broadcast.

I suspect as internet connections get more reliable and people are better informed, more people will change their viewing habits and question why they are paying the license fee.

 

I love BBC 4

The recent series of archaeology & WWI, for example, have been excellent. Personally, I think the factual programmes on the BBC (be they science, history, news, etc.) are not bettered by anyone else anywhere.

 

Didn't the last government spend £12.7b on an NHS IT project which was later scrapped?

 

Well I don't see why your complaining about the license fee then if you don't need one or use one Jedstar. The majority of people do use the BBC and as this thread shows many feel its vfm. And that's without any of the arguments relating to the advantages of having a broadcaster free from commercial or owners influence

 

What channel(s) is showing the World Cup and the Euro Championships over there?

Both of them and the Olympics (and some other major sporting events) are shown on YLE (our equivalent of BBC) here in Finland, and I think that's a good thing. I didn't even watch much of the Olympics last time, but I still feel that the Olympics for example is something that should be available for everyone for free of charge. We haven't got a "voluntary" TV licence anymore either, it's now a part of the taxes that we pay... which is probably a good thing as well, since a lot of people weren't paying the TV licence anyway.

 

I do agree the beeb has to sort itself out. Stop pumping millions into flashy fast edit sequences that everyone forgets about 5 minutes later. And why mobilise reporters to news locations after the fact? Another waste of money. Licence payers are investors/shareholders essentially and should have a lot more say in how the bbc is ran, including the bad decision to move out of London.

 

£15,000 just on taxis for Lineker - I must be a mug putting £40's worth of petrol in my car every week to get to work and back