The governments wants to take your money

leroy · Post by **leroy** » 04 May 2013, 18:57

the_lyniezian wrote:If they are going to fund TV via general taxation at all, it should be the bare bones. Possibly in our case BBC News and Parliament, and maybe one other channel designed primarily to be educational/informative. Possibly the radio channels since they won't get funded any other way (except advertising), and don't cost as much. Entertainment rubbish or anything of minimal public service value must be subscription-only or advertising funded.

Art? Music? Wildlife? Social commentary or drama?

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 04 May 2013, 19:35

Well like I said I used to work for Auntie. Though they were a fecking dreadful employer, I think they're the best of a bad bunch as a broadcasting organisation. The rate of the licence fee is set by the Privy Council, and no government money is involved. The only possible improvement would be to have the rate set by some organisation that had absolutely nothing to do with government. Or with anyone commercial. That rules out just about everyone. Perhaps the licence fee rate should be set by aliens, or by a random number generator.

Tarrel · Post by **Tarrel** » 04 May 2013, 20:43

RenewableCandy wrote:Well like I said I used to work for Auntie. Though they were a fecking dreadful employer, I think they're the best of a bad bunch as a broadcasting organisation. The rate of the licence fee is set by the Privy Council, and no government money is involved. The only possible improvement would be to have the rate set by some organisation that had absolutely nothing to do with government. Or with anyone commercial. That rules out just about everyone. Perhaps the licence fee rate should be set by aliens, or by a random number generator.

"Hmm, Klaatu, I don't think much to this East Enders rubbish. How about a reduction in the license fee? (bleep)"

"I'm inclined to agree Arcturus, what do you think ERNIE?(bleep)"

"11000110110011..(bleep)"

the_lyniezian · Post by **the_lyniezian** » 05 May 2013, 01:46

leroy wrote:
the_lyniezian wrote:If they are going to fund TV via general taxation at all, it should be the bare bones. Possibly in our case BBC News and Parliament, and maybe one other channel designed primarily to be educational/informative. Possibly the radio channels since they won't get funded any other way (except advertising), and don't cost as much. Entertainment rubbish or anything of minimal public service value must be subscription-only or advertising funded.
Art? Music? Wildlife? Social commentary or drama?

Well, put it this way, what the BBC should be providing with public money is first and foremost providing a public service, and second should be about doing what the commercial or independent broadcasters do not.
Most of those things you mention may be in some way educational or informative, and have some value.