Let’s talk about BBC

[Beebo]

I wouldn't mind either, even though I don't watch much BBC output. I think there are younger people who genuinely never watch or listen to BBC stuff who will object to paying though, even if it went down to say £50, because they don't hold the BBC in the affection/esteem that older people often do. To them it's just another service provider, one among many. Why should you pay for an unused service?

You are right. But that’s because no one e has told them otherwise.
Most of us grew up with 3 TV channels. 66% output was BBC. Plus the big radio stations. The media landscape has changed dramatically in 40 years.
there needs to be a public information campaign so people understand the BBC isn’t just another platform.
It has a royal charter that sets out what it has to do, which is to inform, educate and entertain.
No other platform has these obligations. It’s why it isn’t a commercial enterprise.
But its scope probably needs to be reduced. There is no point in it competing in areas which are already well served by the private sector.
For instance, why not just let ITV have the World Cup. As long as it is free to air, who cares?

 

[Pross]

BBC news link - new Director General suggests a household levy so that 100% of people pay towards the license. Currently it has dropped to 80% (I assume 80% of all people who they think watch TV)

I’ve said before, it should just get made a communication tax and used to fund the BBC. It stops people trying to argue they shouldn’t pay as they don’t watch BBC output.

 

[briantrumpet]

I’ve said before, it should just get made a communication tax and used to fund the BBC. It stops people trying to argue they shouldn’t pay as they don’t watch BBC output.

The political trouble is that the easiest thing would be just to include it in general taxation, as only a few weirdos like me don't ever watch TV, even if I do read every Chris Mason article on the website.

FWIW, France do include it in property tax, but you can make a declaration that you never watch TV and not pay it. It's about the same as a UK TV licence.