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Why the F should I tell BBC every year that I don’t watch TV ?

338 replies

LadyGillingham · 11/10/2025 07:49

Why can’t they upgrade their subscriptions/licencing model like Netflix etc ?

If you look at BBC corporation’s ownership, majority stakeholders are private Ltd companies and individuals. Why the f are they entitled to demand subscription fees from me for services I don’t use!

The language in the emails is quite strong, I’m sure a lot of senior citizens just pay to not get into trouble. That’s extortion!

OP posts:
Contycont · 11/10/2025 08:05

Their behaviour is disgusting in my opinion. So many older women I know that get scared and pay it and when I ask if they actually watch live TV or iPlayer it turns out that they don't. But the letters scare them into it. I understand that if you tell them every year then letters are less threatening but that's not the point. What gives them the right to behave like that!?

They sent letters last year saying "will you be in on the 25th of December?" They then pretended they'd be visiting the house. Big fat liars.

RoseAndGeranium · 11/10/2025 08:04

Thatmoves · 11/10/2025 07:55

But NO action required UNLESS you needed one!

Yes it is. If you don’t go online and submit a declaration that you do not need a tv licence they send you threatening letters saying they are beginning an investigation into you which may involve unannounced home visits etc., and you can only stop this investigation by submitting a declaration. I think it’s outrageous, actually.

Largestlegocollectionever · 11/10/2025 08:00

I just laugh at them, the amount of times they’ve said someone is going to call around to check. 🙄

MousseMousse · 11/10/2025 08:00

I'm actually in favour of the licence fee but this sort of behaviour does them no favours. They're going to end up without it and then they'll be screwed

beAsensible1 · 11/10/2025 08:00

This reply has been deleted

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Devilsmommy · 11/10/2025 07:57

Ah yes, the constant letters warning me I'll be fined £1000 if I do actually need one🙄 well I don't so fuck off because I don't watch live TV. How many different ways can I put that across before you get it!😡

BettysRoasties · 11/10/2025 07:57

Thatmoves · 11/10/2025 07:55

But NO action required UNLESS you needed one!

We have had two letters this year that we must update our do we need one or not. Inaction led to the second letter.

tilypu · 11/10/2025 07:56

Thatmoves · 11/10/2025 07:51

You don’t “tell” the bbc you don’t need a license

You absolutely do.

It stops you getting hounded by them. If you don't, then you get red warning letters through the post.

BettysRoasties · 11/10/2025 07:55

Im sure the declaration used to last a few years. Now we get the letter year. People actually paying must be dropping a lot.

If you ignore the it’s been a year letter they start sending a new one every month with the wording getting stronger all so you go online and still click I don’t need one.

Thatmoves · 11/10/2025 07:55

DaisyChain505 · 11/10/2025 07:53

Yes you do. I received my email yesterday asking if I still didn’t need a tv licence.

But NO action required UNLESS you needed one!

DaisyChain505 · 11/10/2025 07:53

Thatmoves · 11/10/2025 07:51

You don’t “tell” the bbc you don’t need a license

Yes you do. I received my email yesterday asking if I still didn’t need a tv licence.

Thatmoves · 11/10/2025 07:51

You don’t “tell” the bbc you don’t need a license

Thatmoves · 11/10/2025 07:51

Huh?

if you don’t have a license you just bin the letter

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