UK TV licence

[forjustnow]

Following on from an earlier discussion with a friend.

Do you have a TV licence (UK only)

UABU- yes
UANBU- no

I'd love to hear from anyone who hasn't got one. Do you have a TV or any devices that can stream? Do you watch live TV? Do you not pay for it because you don't watch BBC channels or don't want to fund them?

I think it's ridiculous that you're required to have one to watch ANY live television whether it's broadcast on BBC channels or not, but as well as live streaming from YouTube, Apps such as Netflix, C4 on demand, BBC iPlayer... etc

I've heard you also need one even if you don't watch live broadcasting, say for example you watch a series on Netflix, which has absolutely nothing to do with the BBC, you're still required to have one however I'm unsure how true this is.

I've wanted to stop ours for a few years but my partner says it isn't worth the risk

Cancel it
Simple
You don't have to let the tv bully boys in your house
Just go on line and cancel

No, the only non-live broadcasting you need it for is BBC iPlayer. You need it for non-BBC live broadcasting such as other channels or even channels from other countries (the last one doesn't make logical sense, IMO).

I don't have one and have never (myself, personally) had one. I have a laptop, so in that sense I have a 'device that can stream' (as I believe we all do, if we are on Mumsnet.) I don't watch any live TV. I don't watch TV in general. I don't subscribe to any subscription viewing service like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Very occasionally do I watch a series, usually via either DVD or online (youtube, some other service).

I've never had one and yes I've sometimes watched iPlayer. Although can't remember the last time I watched something "live". I've had the odd letter from them in the past but nothing for a long time.

In the past it was due to having a very limited budget. Then, I just never bothered. Once you buy one, they're then forever on your back so it was easier to just not!

I do, but I will not be renewing it. I refuse to line the pockets of those who protect pedophiles.

You don't need a TV licence to watch Netflix, or to watch anything on catch up. You only need it to watch live TV and iplayer.

I haven't had one for over 10 years. The only thing I ever watch live is the Euros or World Cup and I either go to my dad's or the pub to watch them.

ETA, we have several TVs and laptops, we all have phones too. I also subscribe to Netflix, Prime and Disney+.

Yes, I do. I watch stuff on BBC, so need one.

Years ago, I lived in a flat that had no ariel, so I wrote a letter detailing this, and it was fine. Back then, you could watch iPlayer online and not need a license. I understand it is different now.

Cancel it. Ignore the bully boy letters and get on with life.
I refuse to fund a biased corporation with some very dodgy previous employees.

It's 2024, not 1954. Bbc has had its day.

Agreed. The list of paedophiles that have been on the bbc payroll..

But you'll miss out on any live tv on any channel and no iplayer.

We haven't had a TV licence for years. We don't need one as we don't have a TV and don't watch anything live. We watch itvx, Ch 4, Ch 5 and Pluto on catch up and used to subscribe to Prime. We have a few YouTubers we watch regularly and we've still got a load of things on DVD - usually favourite films and series that we want to watch more than once because some things don't appear on streaming services at all (https://thestreamable.com/classic-films-go-missing-from-major-streamers-what-should-cinephiles-do ) while other things just disappear https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/disney-creators-hulu-shows-disappear-remove-1235508084/
We've never run out of things to watch.

I used to work for the BBC (years ago) but I don't feel much loyalty to it these days. Apart from listening to World Service. But you don't need a licence for that!

Are you familiar with employment law? And yes, paedophiles are appalling.

The BBC can get fucked after paying that Huw Edward's hundreds and thousands of pounds. Probably orotected him like the did JS 🤢
I will never pay a license fee to them again!

I’ve not had a tv licence for years. Don’t watch live tv on any platform or use iPlayer and it’s not necessary for Netflix or Disney+ or non-live Amazon Prime shows. I fill in a declaration every couple of years and have heard no more.

Not had one for a long time.

Watch live TV and iplayer etc every day.

Totally ignore letters etc.

Nope, I do have subscriptions to most apps and would subscribe to BBC for a few months a year to catch up on shows. Not bothered about live TV, happy to binge watch shows on catch up.

Bit naughty.

The admin method for it is now so dreadful, one only knows one has one because of direct debit purposes. Useless website and forcing a 94 yr old to go paperless is really stupid

I’ve always had one, I’m a rule follower!

But I tend to watch live TV and don’t pay for and additional platforms other than Virgin as I got a good deal for basic tv and broadband, plus I like recording some programmes.

I also watch certain programmes on Alibi and Sky Witness as I enjoy mindless drivel sometimes when I am crafting!

Couldn't do without it & have been paying it since I left home at 21.

I have Sky & watch all terrestrial channels through them as well as all the sports channels.

I have Netflx but never watch it. Completely opposite to my kids who dont watch terrestrial tv & only watch Netflix. Just shows the difference between the generations I suppose.

I do. I'm not prepared to cut my nose off to spite my face.

I enjoy watching TV.

I've got one. I don't really watch live TV and could probably do without iplayer if I had to, but I think the BBC is a hugely important institution, whatever daft decisions the current idiots at the top of the organisation make.

It's a huge form of soft power for the UK, and even if they didn't have TV channels then it'd be worth it for their radio output alone.

No, I put the letters straight in the recycling.

Yes we have one and have done for 30 odd years since I had my own house. We'd be the ones to get prosecuted if we stopped paying 😩

What other services do you use without paying for them?