Telly Addicts
So, Noel Edmonds has declared he hasn't renewed his TV Licence. I'm not entirely sure what his reasons are – he claims that it's in protest against the rather heavy-handed way that the BBC pursue evaders and enforce the law – but it's a very strange move. It coincides with a review into the licence fee collection process, but I think Edmonds is stirring up controversy rather than adding his two-pennies' worth to the debate.
I'm a great believer in the licence fee, because I think the BBC is worth protecting. Britain is pretty unique in having a "state broadcaster" that is funded through the government, by the taxpayers, but remains independent (by and large). The standard of it's output on television, radio and the web, not to mention the cultural impact it has on the nation, is second to none.
Protecting freedom of speech means sometimes we have to listen to things we don't want to hear; protecting the BBC means paying for services we'll never use. I've listened to the sum total of about 30 minutes of Radio 3, and even less of Radio 4; on the other hand, 6 Music and 5 Live both occupy spaces on my digital radio's "favourites" menu. I'll probably never watch BBC Alba, but frequently use BBC News and BBCi.
That said, it's getting increasingly expensive, and the system is far from perfect. In my house last year, the cost was split between five people: paying less than £30 a year for a year's "subscription" to the BBC is unbelievably good value (compared to the £10 a month we were also paying for Setanta Sports). This year, the total cost is split between two: £70 each is a little bit pricey. Paying for it is pretty hard, too. Although it works out at £11 a month, you can't actually pay for it that way. Your only options are to pay upfront, pay quarterly – and be charged an admin fee for the privilege – or pay monthly, but paying double for the first six months. In other words, even if you can scrape together £11 a month, you still can't afford a licence. It's little wonder people don't pay it... and they don't even have a new TV show to promote.
