It’s All Talk. Just Cancel The TV Licence Fee

Let’s have a look at a story I had bookmarked, Sir John Whittingdale is chucking his opinion on the tv licence around.
Source - www.birmingham...
Need to email me? You can do it here (for faster advice use the link above)- www.tvlicences...
For TV Licence advice and help, take a look at the forum here - www.tvlicencer...
#tvlicence #bbc

[@aryonllewellyn]

How dare the BBC expect everyone to pay for a TV licence, to watch/record live TV on channels not even owned by the corporation, such as ITV, Ch 4, or Ch 5? Disgusting!! 🤢😠

[@markc7440]

I believe that it has a minor stake in Channel 4 and S4C (the Welsh Channel 4) but I agree with your overall point. If the license was effectively a paywall to the BBC it'd be a different matter, and there'd probably be a lot fewer bought.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@markc7440 Channel 4 is a British free-to-air public broadcast television channel owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation. It is publicly owned but, unlike the BBC, it receives no public funding and is funded entirely by its commercial activities, including publicity. SC4 does get about £300k pa out of bbc licence fee income.

[@justinformed7367]

I've wondered why ITV or SKY aren't openly angry that folks need a BBC licence to watch their live output. I'm guessing that they remain quiet because they fear that if BBC goes commercial then ITV & SKY will share the advertisement income, & they just don't want to share.

[@markc7440]

@@Thurgosh_OG I know that it does get a relatively small amount of money for the provision of party political broadcasts, public service announcements, and for the (never used) role in the Civil Contingency plans. If I recall my time in one of my MoD roles correctly, all of the channels get that. Although it was a while ago that I was a policy officer so it might have changed now. I did think that the BBC had shares in C4 though. But right here and now I can't recall where I'm getting that from.

[@stevegee8010]

It's like getting some free treatment on the NHS then getting a bill off BUPA for it, even though they didn't even treat you.

[@biggobmalc8118]

£4 billion a year and MP's think that the BBC gives good value for money, that just proves how totally out of touch these Muppets really are.

[@user-sp4gy7ko5l]

You don't bite the hand that feeds you, in bribes.

[@necropink9200]

Whilst I agree with free tv licences for the over 75s the government shouldn't pay them. That means the bbc is being gifted taxpayer's money. I for one wouldn't want a penny of my money to be spent on the bbc.

[@pjcnet]

Let these MPs support the BBC, but do it with their own money, not ours.

[@Kivetonandrew]

But nobody has to buy a TV licence. I dont any more and never will and yes, im a pensioner.

[@user-sp4gy7ko5l]

Anyone that pays has rocks for brains and i have no sympathy.

[@timg1246]

How many threatening ketterw have you had ? I have had two since early December.

[@daisydot5441]

Same here.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@user-sp4gy7ko5l Fear is a strong motivator. Many in the 70+ age group are still suffering from decades of propaganda, telling them it is illegal to own a tv without a licence never mind watching any broadcast, so they are stuck, apart from the few who have been enlightened.

[@Hammybread]

​@@Thurgosh_OGwith people waking up to the scam or simply opting for a more convenient service they can pay and stop paying for at anytime the BBC is on panic mode because its the remains pensioners with state pensions left paying it.

[@stussyhuff]

I refuse to pay..

[@cplcabs]

Looks like they are champing at the bit to raise the TV licence fee and screw the licence fee payers over.

[@icdgyixifyinstereo]

Thank you for reminding me why I will never buy a TV licence.

[@derektaylor2941]

If you need any further reminders, just watch anything from garky lineker.

[@andyduijkers4910]

I do not watch TV and I do not need a licence. Rest assured I will never buy one.

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

The BBC have no idea how to function as an economically viable business in a (now) fairly crowded marketplace, because they’ve never had to! They have lived high on the hog for decades thanks to the licence fee, rather than having to pay their own way as other broadcast businesses have to do. A guaranteed four bi££ion annually is an enormous sum of money for a broadcaster to receive regardless of ratings, yet the BBC continually bleat about how hard up the organisation is… they truly are not only on a different planet, but also living in a different universe!

[@stevegee8010]

They do know (BBC Studios, which makes a billion annually), they just want the easy and (once) guaranteed method as it keeps their salaries high, their pensions high, and more chance of keeping their job as no one is under any obligation to create good content, value for money, or meet ratings targets.

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

@@stevegee8010 I read profits for the 2022/23 financial year were £240M

[@josefschiltz2192]

I haven't watched television for years and it is very self-deifyingly arrogant of the BBC to suppose that can't be so. - After all, they are so brilliant aren't they, so why should we have any reason to not sit glued to their output? Quite simply, their output is tedium beyond description. To say it is common trash is being kind. I actually used to like the BBC back in the 60s, 70s and even into the 80s. Even then, there were decent broadcasts that you could spend time with and the license was - perhaps - worth it. Now, it most certainly isn't!

[@tommiller1315]

I find the output offensive. That is, after I stopped TV viewing in 2005, I used to tune into Radio 4, until the 18:30 weekday slot got offensive with regular expletives around 2019/2020.

[@themole1944]

All irreverent to me as i don't and won't pay the licence fee and never will

[@eggyboy123]

I stopped paying in 2022 and not missed it one little bit

[@michaelc318]

I say it should be a subscription channel. And no tv licence

[@elemar5]

How does a TV keep you connected? Connected to what?

[@stevegee8010]

Connected to their payments department.

[@Hammybread]

Considering how much the BBC lies and creates outright fake content. You're not connected to anything or anyone.

[@englishciderlover7347]

Connected to the government's Marxist propaganda.

[@Sadie595]

Connected to their propaganda

[@user-sp4gy7ko5l]

Connected to their fucking propaganda.

[@paulstones2630]

Pensioners should not have to pay this stupid licence fee saying that no body should.

[@lindadejonge]

Look through any TV magazine and circle the amount of repeats BBC airs per week! The only programmes that are not repeats are the news and boring snooker or bowls etc. Wow, endless entertainment to help us "oldies" get to sleep. The other channels also have repeats, but do make new and exciting films, series etc. All it is is greedy directors, presenters, and so -called celebrities. Sickening!! 🤢🤮

[@elemar5]

And we already paid for a licence to watch these repeated programmes.

[@dps8435]

I regularly look at the BBC listings and there is never and I mean never a single programme of any interest to me on bbc1,just occasionally one is on bbc2.

[@bazj5392]

Back in the 90's a Saturday night would be a good picking between BBC1 and ITV, I haven't looked at anything on the BBC for over 10 years, I've now cancelled my license and listen to music instead, don't miss it, nothing to miss.

[@user-nx8ii4ef7f]

Stand and deliver......Grate Britain!

[@samuelmelton8353]

It ain't easy being cheesy

[@PoppaWoody6969]

just stop paying for crap

[@Jon6429]

New style letter just dropped and they are attempting to put the frighteners on

[@matthewcb1970]

Not rising for me - not paid it for several years and never will again. Time to put on your Big Boy Pants, BBC, and compete with other media organisations without nearly £4bn of public money.

[@askelvis27]

I called them yesterday and said i do not need one. The time i took to navigate the automated menu was longer than me talking to the wee lassie on the phone. Simple sorted.

[@cplcabs]

It probably costs 50p a minute or something to call them now.

[@Deekm69]

Yes I phoned them about a month ago and asked where in the form was the part to say I don't need one as I only watch KZbin, after a few simple questions they asked if I thought I'd need one in 2 years and job done. Licence Free. The only reason I phoned in the first place was they had my address. I've posted this loads of times, I just hope it's helpful to other's

[@mollienight]

There is no legal obligation to tell the BBC that you don't need their product. Giving your name and address will not stop them harassing you, it gives them too much information. As a matter of interest, did you give them your NI number too. They have no right to your personal information.

[@askelvis27]

I just wanted to put a stop to all the letters. Waste of paper killing our trees :) @@mollienight

[@mpol701]

​@@cplcabsthey are on lo call rate and those are normally in your free minutes, in fact nowadays so many contracts are free all calls anyway

[@deantaylor8572]

BBC £3.7 billion Belize GDP $2.82 billion Gambia GDP $2.27 billion Grenada GDP $1.27 billion Samoa GDP $832 million

[@michaelgill5400]

£4 Billion!!!!!! Then there is the profit from BBC Studios, so what in God's teeth are they wasting this money on? Because it certainly isn't entertainment!

[@samuelbeckett4632]

Scrap the tax, make them all work for a living

[@gherkamum]

They are not officers, they are salesmen, open the door then just say, no i dont want one, and close the door, dont let them in..

[@Tom_murray89]

To me it needs to be axed asap

[@dama054]

When is ITV going to make a drama about the injustice that is the BBC licence fee

[@michaellyon2004]

MP's most likely claim there TV licence on expense.

[@curtkneelove7354]

After paying colour tv licence for nearly 50 years I had have hoped TV Licensing would offer a concession if not a free licence to an unwaged single pensioner. I no longer get any enjoyment from watching BBC TV programmes. I did enjoy Sky Arts and Talking Pictures TV, Also some radio programmes gave me a sense of companionship but now I’m reluctant to tune into that either. From the stance of TV Licensing who informed me that although my home is now registered as Licence Free, they still “may pay me a visit” to check to see if I do need one ?! I feel insulted by this. It is suggesting I am being underhand/ untruthful. I wonder how they can afford to pay to send enforcement officers out

[@simplesimon5739]

Well they have no right to enter your property. You can actually write to them (recorded delivery, keep a copy) and say that any implied right to come onto your property is recinded. If they ignore this they become trespassers.

[@curtkneelove7354]

@@simplesimon5739 thank you for this information. I do not open door, let alone to strangers or peddlers 😉 any approach to my door is recorded on camera but to do this I find is stressful. I have a ‘ No Cold Callers ‘ notice ( 2 in fact, both ignored!) so I may need to write to them.

[@stevegee8010]

Don't let the term 'enforcement officer' intimidate you, they are just door to door sales goons. You're under no obligation to speak to these leeches, so it's as simple as "Not interested." and close the door.

[@mpol701]

They don't seem to pay many a visit after going unlicensed in many years not had one visit yet I will be polite speak to them at door explain I don't watch live TV as I had stated and politely say I don't want you in my space

[@oxforddon2210]

I had similar feelings when I cancelled the TV Licence. There is no way it can ever be acceptable for BBC Licensing to treat people like this. When I cancelled my Prime Video subscription it was straightforward, there was no need for Amazon to suspect me of being underhand in any way. They simply stopped my access to their services. Easy!

[@grahamturner6119]

Sooner sit and look at the wall no I won't buy a licence

[@MikeEves]

No increase for me, it's still zero

[@jeffcole5708]

The BBC are like our Welsh assembly, both not fit for purpose.

[@anthonymichaelwilson8401]

The TV license should be stopped I not needed we have so much truthful information off the social media we don’t need the lies of the BBC 😊

[@chimneydriptray2439]

I have bags of Sympathy for the BBC … but no money 😁

[@frannyp46]

@chimneydri. Same here. They need to “ Man up” with broad shoulders and a healthy dose of self esteem and take it on the chin. Bless ‘ em.

[@Jamiep84]

Old people loved BBC Local Radio? I don't think so. Have you listened to it in the last 20 years? It's dire!

[@chriscampbell8309]

MPs can sit and just fall asleep like the bbc

[@jwsuicides8095]

My unused TV aerial fell off my roof this week and got caught on telephone lines. I had to pay for someone to come out and remove it and they said they'd come back with a new aerial (my old one was ancient) and fix it back up. I was, "Uh uh. I haven't watched live TV in years". Haven't used the aerial in decades - I don't even know how it all works any more.. He knew I'm housebound and worried how I watch TV...I said how I only watch apps and streaming facilities. Sod 'em!

[@MatthewBaker-nq2cb]

The television a source of entertainment those years have long passed it's just a load of ~~~~e now.

[@redbeard3923]

Not paying St Gary of lineker and sherbert shearer's wages no chance hell will freeze over fi

[@rachb373]

I had a classic threatening letter only today! They told me an investigation had been opened into my property. They said a court appearance could cost me £1,000. These letters are sick. I've no idea how they're not illegal. Needless to say, i won't ever engage I only have a roku stick and i wouldnt touch the bbc with a barge pole! Btw, im not heartbroken for local bbc stations because they destroyed genuine local radio stations

[@derektaylor2941]

re local radio- I couldn't agree more. I think you'd have to go back 30 or more years to find really good talented bbc presenters on local radio. They could speak Queen's English, were broadly intelligent and were strictly impartial with politics. Now it's like listening to the socialist worker's party. No matter what the subject they'll get in politics.

[@camoTiaras]

Why is a taxpayer funded service linked to inflation ?. It's a con. Don't pay.

[@marksnow7569]

Careful now! Most taxes are based on percentages of random stuff that goes up with inflation (e.g. 20% VAT). You wouldn't want the BBC Tax to be that sort of tax, like it is in some other countries (a percentage of electricity bills etc.).

[@CamcorderSteve]

Not having to worry about attracting viewers gives the BBC more freedom to make more minority interest programmes, rather than having to cater for the mass majority, which is well catered for by the commercial channels. A good case in point is SCD, that was of minority interest, but the BBC has made it into a programme which attracts millions of viewers and is extremely popular. Could it have done it if they had to attract advertisers?

[@adlam97531]

The trouble is , they make 1 or 2 shows which are popular and often an old format or based on a format from abroad . I remember Horizon , tomorrow’s world , art programmes , educational programmes not aimed at their narrow world view . They ruin many a drama by trying to make it PC , and simply because the tax payer is funding it , you do not need to worry if anyone will watch it wears thin when it’s so bad people simply won’t watch it . I do not see why I have to fund that . I liked the BBC content at one time , but even my elderly parents no longer watch it as there’s nothing for them .

[@allankerr4652]

Then let the people who think the odd programs the bbc produce that is popular then let them pay for it I don’t watch the bbc I pay for what I want to watch not pay for that which other people want to watch if you want minority tv then let people who want it pay for it, it’s just stupid tv not life or death or a human right!!

[@patrickcavanagh9591]

Oh two further words. Gary Liniker.

[@user-tr7fx8ty5s]

Just had a letter today saying I’m breaking the law if I watch tv and if I’m illegally downloading streams I will be facing criminal charges , I’m under investigation because I haven’t replied to the numerous letters they sent

[@andymeadows2768]

Mine will be 6 years free in march this & I won’t be calling them anymore they have been told

[@paulwatson317]

Such an informative show and black belt barrister. I got rid of sky the weekend and cancelled my TV licence the start of the week. I was hoping to email you a screen of the questions when I cancelled to confirm a couple of things, as I am sure it is harassment what they are doing. If I cancel my car insurance I don't have to agree to someone coming to my property to check I still don't need it and accusing me of breaking the law without no knowledge of my circumstances.

[@Jamiep84]

It is harassment, but they're allowed to harass people if it's "For the purposes of preventing and detecting crime". So basically, if they decriminalised "evasion", harassment would have to stop.

[@derektaylor2941]

You are not agreeing to them coming to your property. All you are doing is acknowledging that they might do so. If they come to your door, just simply tell them "No thank you" and close the door, just as CJC says so often. Some people on here will claim that they will be all nasty and aggressive if they come to their door, but that is stupid. It serves no purpose other than to make you the office challenge for some hard nut. Simply tell them "No thank you" and close the door. No eff offs, no slamming the door. CJC is quite right- these people are on commission and if they can see you're not complying with them they will move onto easier targets. I don't have a licence, I don't need a licence. I have had a visit once and I simply said "No thank you, I don't need one." He tried to engage me in conversation "No thank you, I don't need one." Remember they are trained to try and catch you out so say nothing else to them.

[@dc56789]

I have a question Jon. Has there ever been a petition or argument brought forward that licence fee payers should get dividends from the profits made from merch, dvds and selling shows to streaming platforms by the bbc?

[@marksnow7569]

The dividends are ploughed back into making more programmes.

[@harnett100]

The whole tv licence is outdated the only live tv I watch is sports witch a have a subscription for.

[@timg1246]

You do need a licence to watch live sports.

[@mpol701]

So u don't watch any tv channels then, as all are live

[@mpol701]

Live is regular broadcast tv is everything on your satellite or freeview including plus one channels

[@mikehipperson]

@@timg1246 If it's on the telly, yes!

[@MikeEves]

​@@timg1246no you don't

[@4june9140]

Virtue signalling Adverts every 10 minutes, TV nowadays is dreadful

[@allendavid4139]

Didn’t John Whittingdale close the loop hole that allowed people to watch BBC Iplayer without a TV licence?

[@cplcabs]

no

[@nickhatcher7606]

The bbc have said that they won't make programmes for the older generations ... surely the government should tell the state broadcaster to make programmes for everyone not just the younger woke generation

[@normannoy-ug6kx]

Abolish the licence just a tax for crap

[@Hammybread]

If they want to support the old people gi e their free licence back. SIMPLE. They took it away because its the only remaining state pensions still giving them money.

[@user-sm1qz7fo9m]

Funny how greed & putting up prices, can lose you so many customers. 500,000. 😬 It is starting to look like the public has had enough of the cost of living crisis.

[@Kingcarparpeggio]

How come BBC’s income is always £3.7 billion soon to rise to £4.0 billion with the impending increase yet there are claims that 80,000 people a month are jacking it ??…..The Math doesn’t seem to add up there ?

[@RomanHistoryFan476AD]

People just want a proper way to opt of the BBC licence, people should not have to pay the BBC to use their TV, people already pay for Sky, Virgin or BT, people are tired of it.

[@samuelmelton8353]

I think the country should be obliged to pay into a news service. Private news companies are full of shit. The BBC has its problems, but the news is no worse that any of the other outlets, despite what some might say. I have yet to hear a moaner actually make a solid case for the quality or impartiality of a private company. We should have very strict impartiality laws and these should be enforced as a matter of importance - but to have only the riffraff of the private press would be disastrous and further echo chambers. Cut the entertainment etc, I'm not fussed. Definitely cut the salaries - there are plenty of people who will do a good job of reading teleprompters while sat on a sofa for a few hours a day who don't need hundreds and hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.

[@johnblack6161]

Not in my home,there will be no rise,ive stopped paying the propaganda channel.

[@user-jc4lb5mm7x]

He got it right at first, then he prattled on. The TV license is a license to view live broadcasting, just like you need a license to brew beer or to go fishing. Commercial broadcasting is complete crap, 20 minutes of advertising in every hour.

[@borostar7789]

I’m visually impaired and can’t even describe what’s happening on TV, but I still have to pay half price license. Of course, there is audio description available, but it only covers a percentage of programming.

[@marksnow7569]

3:59 _"Big hit TV shows that get discussed"_ "Get discussed" is the key to that phrase. Shows from the big streamers rarely trouble the BARB weekly UK Top 50 TV programmes chart ( _Fool Me Once_ on Netflix being a remarkable recent exception) but because they are released in many countries at the same time, they become a social media hot topic all over the world. Outside the UK, on the other hand, TV viewers will probably have been unaware of the continuing success of _The Traitors_ in recent weeks.

[@grahamhall8249]

If they don't make content for the over 40's, everyone over 40 shouldn't have to pay!

[@richardjames3022]

OF COURSE THE TORIES LIED, it's what they do.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

Yes, they are just as bad as Labour; though Labour did take us into an illegal war, so...

[@englishciderlover7347]

Lying isn't just a Tory thing. it's what all professional politicians do. They're all on the same team.

[@user-dy9fi5lc4q]

Between streaming and boom radio , l havent got time to watch bbc , why am l paying?? Sheer bloody daftness, well not anymore

[@stephenholmes1036]

Jon i know you spell it out regularly can you not put a list out at the end of each video on what you need a license for in TV use? I haven't had one for 31 years, Ive had 1 visit 23 years ago. I get a letter to the occupier every 4 years, I just say no licence. Its that easy ! Jon a list might help?

[@SparkyJohn111]

Cancelled my licence years ago and don't miss TV at all. It's mostly shit, bias or lies anyway.

[@deaconjohn6838]

Just got a letter saying I got 10 days before I get a visit

[@mrentertainer47]

Well I was wondering whether I was due a free licence, being aged 76? Certainly, I won't be renewing when it's due! The BBC lost a lot of it's middle ground, unbiased integrity and I was disgusted when they did the 'Trump Comeback 2024 video'! I'm not paying for crap that I don't view anymore and I'm happy with other media platforms thanks.

[@jimbabwe3246]

Just watch catch up on the apps. No one watches bbc anyway.

[@daidavies6210]

I cancelled the TV License fee 11 years ago…..😂…

[@rikkusayian2649]

they will be after anyone doing facetime next because they are watching someone "live stream" XD

[@user-dd2ry6gc8o]

I’m 65 I watch nothing but you tube

[@kerrymcgeachy3571]

They are selling eastenders

[@waynekerrr9027]

Oh no they not

[@mikehipperson]

Only the set they use and are leasing it back to continue to film the outside shots. I wonder what will happen when the new owners put up the rental price?

[@casper1240]

Licence free over 10 years ,ive got better things to spend my £170 on !!

[@danny5748]

£4billion ÷ 23600000 viewers= £169 😡👎

[@Rob-uv8bu]

When I rang them .they got stinky. Said barrister will charge every time you write. And charge you. They say we don't work like that . Said take up with them my trade union

[@user-lc1wk5dh5h]

Sorry but I like a platform with no get this no annoying ads. Also if you fondly imagine that commercial tv you get at no cost. NO everything you buy that is advertised has the cost of advertising put onto the cost of every advertised product you buy. I would be interested if someone did a calculation.

[@user-lc1wk5dh5h]

Regarding comparative costs.

[@weadone]

We own it all and every building they use, they gonna sell it all for buttons.

[@simongilbert2704]

it's outdated shite ;; don't pay . why pay people like gary l millions ????? are you mad ?

[@patrickcavanagh9591]

The only time I turn on the tv is whem you remind me about the bloodsuckers. And then after 5 mins I realise how shit it is. So yes bbc you can have an adjusted payment of approx 25 mins a year which works out at about the square root of fuck all. cheques in the post.

[@combiuk]

I dont get it! ITV Chan 4 Chan 5 are nothing to do with the BBC. why can we watch them???

[@oxforddon2210]

The TV licence funding model stems from a time when there was only the BBC. It should be brought up to date! As more people stop watching terrestrial TV then advertising revenue will fall and cause commercial TV channels to go out of business. The BBC will drag everyone else down with them.

[@pstanyer1]

Leave the licence alone. I haven't paid it for 15 years and I'm still here. Leave those who don't know better or how to not pay it carry on paying it. Sooner or later they will put it on another tax you can't avoid.

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

How many major TV series are made by the BBC? It used to be all of them. Then it just seemed to be Dr Who, but #13 put paid to that. But if they were the same as the commercial channels, they'd produce nothing but dross. Hang on... {:o:O:}

[@quanchyplimp]

It's all talk, just hot air, a bit like this channel, but hey, it makes you a few quid, eh Jon.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

This channel has helped hundreds, if not thousands, to legally cancel their bbc licences, so not so much hot air here.

[@quanchyplimp]

It's 100% hot air!, simple answer is YES or NO, do you want it or don't you, the choice has always been there, buy it, don't buy it.

[@goattm2]

I'm Welsh, I don't see why I should pay the same amount as the English when 99% of the shows are aimed at them and people in my country get f-all programming aimed at us. So yeah, the quicker the bbc English establishment propaganda channel folds, the better.