[UK] TV licence iPlayer rules come into force

[cambrensis]

I don't understand why the UK has this tv tax. Where does the money go?? We don't have this license/tax in the US, but we do have PBS, the public broadcasting service station which produces the most wonderful shows......funded by donations from the public.

Funded by donations from the public and Grants...large Grants, often from private corporations.

If I wish to watch an old BBC series, I can usually find it on PBS! Without the BBC there would not be that much in their schedule. Not for nothing have leg-pullers nicknamed PBS "Primarily British Series"!

Of course they do broadcast series from Canada and Australia as well.

And for a non-profit making organisation to be able to pay out the multi millions of dollars in damages to Nesmith's Pacific Arts that PBS was faced with and stay afloat is quite sensational.

Nothing is ever as it appears.

[HerMajesty]

Most interesting and informative, cam...............I have more to read about now!! I guess I mostly watched the political talk/interview shows and the Ken Burns shows, not series. Still, it is funded voluntarily, regardless of what fare they serve. Thanks for the info.

[moonwitch]

So she can watch the TV set at your house but can't watch it on a mobile device if she sits outside, how bleerdy stupid is that just because she is down as living with her Mum. what a shame, what are you going to do?

We are going to register her at this address.....don't know how long that will take though

[buttons-and-bows]

Hopefully not long, good luck with it X

[JanetB]

I don't understand why the UK has this tv tax. Where does the money go?? We don't have this license/tax in the US, but we do have PBS, the public broadcasting service station which produces the most wonderful shows......funded by donations from the public.

If I remember correctly, TV licences paid to the BBC is because they do not advertise unlike all the other channels available (no licence needed) which do all the advertising that pays for the channel costs etc.

[moonwitch]

If I remember correctly, TV licences paid to the BBC is because they do not advertise unlike all the other channels available (no licence needed) which do all the advertising that pays for the channel costs etc.

This might sound like splitting hairs but unlike commercial stations the licence money goes to the government pot and is then paid to the BBC...so it is actually government funded as a government entertainment department if you like.

Since it is government funded the BBC is often referred to here as the British Brainwashing Corporation

[Anniemcc2]

For what it's worth, more info here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37243332

[JanetB]

This might sound like splitting hairs but unlike commercial stations the licence money goes to the government pot and is then paid to the BBC...so it is actually government funded as a government entertainment department if you like.

Since it is government funded the BBC is often referred to here as the British Brainwashing Corporation

I didn't know that!

[astral276]

About time the BBC was done away with. Not only do I have to pay for a license, I also have to pay for the ink to put a big cross through their listings in my TV magazine each day.

[Posbear]

Let them advertise, simple solution.... or not.
They would need decent programs to watch to make the adverts viable
I watch very little on BBC, I tend to watch Channel 4 and Channel 5 these days.
Channel 4 news is excellent.
Channel 5 The Wright Stuff is the best morning program.
Just my opinion, others will differ