I agree with Reue. How is it fair that other people pay their licence and you don't? That's why I think I'm going to pay for it knowing that:

1. I'll use it semi-regularly and enjoy it, and

2. I'm supporting a worthy cause

Reply 25

pinkteddyx64

I think that the BBC should be funded from general taxation in the same way the NHS is. Australia funds it's equivalent of the BBC, (ABC) from general taxation, yet shows no adverts whatsoever, and I think the BBC would do well to go by that sort of model. :smile:

Reply 26

College_Dropout

Original post by Numberwang

Life is not fair, Its not fair that your money goes to the BBC even if you dont watch the BBC. Are you sure its a worthy cause? For all you know you could be funding Jimmy Savile number 2 and the employees covering it up.

Reply 27

Reue

Original post by College_Dropout

Requiring a TV Licence to watch TV because the law says so doesnt make it right or acceptable either.

So write to your MP and encourage their support for change. Dont break the law.

Reply 28

themanwithaplanb

dont be a mug and pay for a tv license

Reply 29

Numberwang

Original post by College_Dropout

Well blame the Broadcasting Act? The BBC sets the standards upon which ITV and Channel 4 follow. Watching Sky and Virgin is a lot more, while American news coverage is terribly one-sided and right-wing.

I hardly think there'll be a Jimmy Savile number 2 based on the change in cultural attitudes, although I admit the BBC has the same problem as the Catholic Church that it's size and almost monopolistic prestige can breed corruption.

I think the BBC has become too big in some areas and should be trimmed back to size. I'd like to pay a £100 fixed fee a year, a fee which I believe would be fair to all.

Reply 30

tloulou07

Im confused. . How do you watch tv catch up etc without a licence legally I need educating on this ha

Reply 31

cathyhelen

I am going to get a TV licence. I noticed when I went to the accommodation viewing day that the other students had their own TV's and Xbox in their rooms. I do not listen to the radio that often and I only occasionally read books.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 32

RomnCoton

Don't get one. Use your laptop and stream BBC/ITV/whatever live through your internet connection.

How can they prove it? All you say if people ask questions is you use it for iPlayer or any other catch-up service.

Reply 33

Clearing and Applications Advisor

If you *do* get one then avoid monthly payments or paying up front.

Most students are only in residence for 9 months so you only have to pay 3 quarterly payments to cover the year: https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/pay-for-your-tv-licence/payment-methods/how-would-you-like-to-pay-for-your-tv-licence-pay8

That way it's only £110 instead of £150.

Still a lot of money if you don't watch much live TV but better than paying the annual fees (and much better than the monthly or weekly payments where they charge the full years fee within the first 6 months)

Reply 34

Reue

Original post by RomnCoton

How can they prove it? All you say if people ask questions is you use it for iPlayer or any other catch-up service.

I'd expect it to be very easy for them to match up the live downstream connection to your laptop/address.

Reply 35

Undisclosed 15

It seems that nobody watches live sport. Everyone just watches BBC and ITV.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 36

RomnCoton

Original post by Reue

I'd expect it to be very easy for them to match up the live downstream connection to your laptop/address.

I guess so. even then it would be very difficult to distinguish streaming a live stream compared to say downloading a torrent. It is still also hard to prove.

They'll be thousands doing it. I've done it myself and had no issue with the TV licensing company.

Reply 37

toonervoustotalk

Can you buy a tv licience for 1 month?

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 38

cole-slaw

I would definitely expect housemates to contribute if they want a tv in the living room.

As to whether or not to get one, it depends what, realistically, you foresee you will spend your time doing instead of watching tv.

If it is something more worthwhile than watching tv, such as reading, studying, doing a hobby, or socialising down the pub, then don't get one.

If it is something less worthwhile than watching tv, such as perpetually masturbating or ****ing around on the internet in your room like a loser, then do get one.

That is my honest advice.

Reply 39

StuartPatrick94

Read into it, you're not obliged to let any TV licensing people into your home.

Tip 1. Don't even answer the door to these horrible cretins
Tip 2. If you do, never give them your name etc

They harrased me a number of times and recieved threatening letters. I'd read up on what I could and couldn't do and many of these TV licensing inspectors obviously had no clue and were bamboozled by somebody who knew what they were talking about.

I explained to them I don't watch or record any live television at all. I explained I do own a TV and a Sky box yes but I only listen to the radio. I explained to them that from my computer hardrive I am able to listen to my music, watch my movies, catchup etc on my television but nothing is recorded or watched live.

Whenever they asked to come in I always asked to see ID and if I could log their details down as to who they were etc and they always declined.

If you don't know waht you're talking about I just wouldn't answer the door.