You do know the rest of the world laughs at the UK for this TV license malaky?
In the rest of the world we have "Free to Air" TV and "Pay" TV but, you lot have pay and other pay TV effectively.
I don't understand why you don't stand up as a nation and tell the government to stick this antiquated system up their collective processed curry storage receptacles.

oh yeah, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and all that, actually I do understand.
(bad_advice QOTW survivor from the first trollocost!, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 3:35, 3 replies)

You've missed the point.
The British like the system. We get some of the best programmes in the world- anything made by Sir Dave, for instance- with no adverts, and reasonably impartial news. We love to moan about the BBC, but I don't think many people would change the system, if they were given the chance.
( The Awful Puppy Bakery is still bored, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 6:33, closed)

^ this, in bucketloads
The BBC and the NHS are the two institutions which we Brits should be truly proud of. The BBC makes some excellent programmes, and we don't have to sit through adverts to watch them.

Most other countries' television is shit by comparison. Especially in the US.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 8:43, closed)

Agreed too

(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 18 Jun 2010, 11:18, closed)

I agree...
Except for the bit about the Beeb being 'reasonably impartial'.

I have found them to be increasingly and overly left-wing. And just as bad as the other 'news' channels when it comes to creating the news rather than just reporting it.
( Another_tragic_case wished he hadn't eaten all the cake, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 8:45, closed)

^ This in spades
I was involved in a situation that the Beeb reported on and their version of events bore no relation to what happened. Very much a case of 'will this sell? Yeah. Is it true? Nah ...... let's report it'.
(SpunkyMcSpunkbubble Diddled your nubbin on, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 9:59, closed)

I don't think they're intentionally left wing
they're just increasingly forced to be politically correct, which looks the same as the namby pamby drivel that left wingers like to spout.

It seems it's more about pressure from the self-righteous media than any internal influence.

Still, the BBC does produce good stuff.
( Not Pineapple anymore, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 11:15, closed)

Lol
Nah, that's just something that happens with old age. By the time your 92, you'll be accusing the Daily Mail of leftism.
( Sextant goes to him is emotionally erect, on this day, Sun 20 Jun 2010, 8:08, closed)

If the BBC went down,
I'd have to tape down the change channel button on my remote. That would save my fingers the agony of having to flick through tons of shite before I can find an advert I can stomach.
( Blind Meach Cautiously optimistic, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 9:52, closed)

Well
I'd rather pay the license and get the quality tv, rather than have free tv which stops for adverts every 5 seconds. Or pay tv where you pay but it's still all crap.
(Smale is stuffed, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 7:20, closed)

pppf
every 5 seconds indeed. in fact, here in Spain, quite a lot of the time, prime time shows will start, and then IMMEDIATELY cut to adverts, often up to 6 minutes long - likewise towards the end of a program, a long break, followed by a 60 second return and credits.
(bamboozled Can hear you getting fatter, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 9:10, closed)

IN the country where everything is great, AUSTRALIA
we have the ABC, which is a government funded, neutral broadcaster offering 3 channels, over 50 radio channels of national and regional programing (including a national youth network JJJ) as well as international TV and radio broadcasting.................. and no TV license. Also an excellent producer of quality TV programing (ie NOT Home and Away etc) but, it does play some of the BBC produced content, which I agree is usually excellent.

anyway,

Giggle giggle, chortle chortle, snort, hmphhh..............TV LICENSES! HA HA HA LOL HA
(bad_advice QOTW survivor from the first trollocost!, Sat 19 Jun 2010, 3:35, closed)

Watching ABC 3 with the kids.
There are maybe one or two Australian programs a day (not counting the fuckwits who present the bits between shows). It's all American or UK shows - or worse: UK shows that have been redubbed with US accents.
( Colonel Boris "...a desperate Buzzfeed imitation...", Sat 19 Jun 2010, 4:26, closed)

Neighbours,
Home and Away, The Flying Doctors, Round the Twist and Prisoner Cell Block H..... Not exactly the slickest, highest production quality output is it now? Firmly in the post Jeremy Kyle / before the adults get back from work slot, rather than prime time drama that the Beeb does so well. That said Prisoner was essential viewing for me and my housemate at Uni!
( ForecastMonkey, Sat 19 Jun 2010, 11:10, closed)

The rest of the world?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_licence#Television_licences_around_the_world
(Vice Admiral Sir Charles Cockbrush KCB MBE DSO, who is finding it increasingly difficult to log into b3ta.com wants to duck your aunt and kick your puppy, Fri 18 Jun 2010, 9:47, closed)

Ahh, yes those forward thinking nations
like Greece (I bet no one actually pays it there), Croatia, Hertzn... Hurtze..... the long Choco one that starts with hurt.

Let me rephrase - The Rest of the world THAT MATTERS
(bad_advice QOTW survivor from the first trollocost!, Sat 19 Jun 2010, 3:29, closed)

2/3rds of all European countries?
Far better than getting crappy TV like they have in the US.
( Colonel Boris "...a desperate Buzzfeed imitation...", Sat 19 Jun 2010, 4:33, closed)

Hew, what's wrong with poor copies of British TV, endless attempts at reality shows, etc?????
Don't be messing with American free TV!

I admit, it leaves a lot to be desired. Actually, it's so bad that I almost never watch anything but the public tv channels. I had too much trouble thinking what shows are on anymore to make a good list of all the shitty shows.

At least we have the Simpsons.
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Wed 23 Jun 2010, 14:13, closed)