I have the BBC America channel, but I don't know what the difference between that and the actual BBC is.
It has adverts and shows that are not made by the BBC on it.
BBC has no ads and shit shows that the public pay for through a £145 a year tax.
what's this? every tax-paying citizen receives an actual 145 pound bill specifically for the BBC? and people aren't freaking out?
usually w/ socialism they hide all the costs in the general taxes so people won't realize what crap they're paying for....
I do think that some of the "licence fee" goes to the other free to air channels like ITV, C4 and Five - but not sure.
BBC want to increase the "TV licence fee" as well. Private television companies want a slice of the licence fee because they say that the BBC have an unfair advantage because they are able to tax the public, therefore having a guaranteed income without having to justify it. There are no ads though, which is nice in a way...
...would rather have decent television rather than the (cheap) rubbish DIY shows they put on - although the documentaries and most radio stations are good.
but yes, the "television licence fee" as it is known is a tax on top of all the other taxes. if you dont pay, then you go to court and get a £1000 fine.
If you still own a black and white tele, the licence fee is something like £45. You have no choice but to pay, you can subscribe to a private cable or satellite company, but you have to pay their subscription fee and the government tv licence. New Zealand scrapped this tax years ago because of public outrage - the UK seem to still want it for some strange reason.
its a joke.