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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Should we pay BBC licence fee

191 replies

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 10:53

I think we should still pay ithe BBC licence fee but I see someone else has been accused of bullying ....this time on BBC breakfast..I still think it is great value for money though. They make quality programmes and are are balanced in their reporting. I think it's unfair that they get so much stick. We need a public service broadcaster..

OP posts:
Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 12:07

smilingcurtains · 20/06/2025 12:02

I opted out a couple of years ago. I never watched live TV and have no interest in any of the BBC’s programmes. I filled in a form online and hey presto, no more fee.

The have an annual budget of £5.7 billion and 26% of their costs are spent on salaries. I just don’t believe the public should be forced to fund this. Subscription model just like everyone else.

Doesn't it bother you that you might be getting your current affairs information from channels whose billionaire backers want you believe things that will ultimately benefit them more thsn you....you're being manipulated

OP posts:
ExpressCheckout · 20/06/2025 12:09

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 11:51

But it moved to Salford ?

Not really. They moved non-critical things to Salford (e.g. CBBC, Breakfast TV, etc.) but, culturally, the BBC remains a London-based organisation which reflects the values and power of London/SE.

When the BBC did move there was a lot of squealing and moaning from quite a number of well-paid people who simply couldn't comprehend or accept that life exists beyond the M25.

Jennyathemall · 20/06/2025 12:10

we lived abroad for over a decade and were shocked when we came back to see the same old content on TV. It was living in a time warp. This after being exposed to all the excellent original content on Netflix. I haven’t paid the license fee in years. DH will occasionally watch a bit of sport on iPlayer but that’s it. Simply not worth paying to watch two or three times a year.

TheCurious0range · 20/06/2025 12:12

You have a choice, pay the licence and watch the things it covers, or don't and don't.

ExtraOnions · 20/06/2025 12:15

The BBC licence fee supports thousands of business involved in the creative arts, it’s the licence fee that ensures the survival of that industry .. which is why you’ll not hear many commercial stations asking for its abolition.
It’s also manages the play-out Networks, ensuring the correct protocols are in place that makes sure your steaming services work, and work together on various differing platforms... there is no money to be made in that work, hence why the BBC does it.
It also mangers the R&D groups around new technology, again making sure that broadcasters work together.
They also support The Open University and BBC Bitesized, making sure than people of all backgrounds can access educational resources.
The World Service is used to get news and information to people in countries where they can’t normally access the media.
They broadcast shows for people with disabilities, using sign language more than any other Broadcaster.
It’s hugely contributes to Music, supporting Orchestras, New Acts, Classical .. all genres.
BBC Factual, a place where Gardeners, Scientists, Astonomers etc could gather. Has anyone else tried to make Gardners World?
The also help to grown new ideas, that create whole new programming streams.
The Early Years content as well, helping to educate the next generation.

They do a lot more than Broadcast a breakfast show. The impact, support, and development of both Creative Arts, and Technology is enormous.

There is lots of content I don’t access, but I appreciate the part that it plays on the ongoing cultural development of the country.

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 12:15

ExpressCheckout · 20/06/2025 12:09

Not really. They moved non-critical things to Salford (e.g. CBBC, Breakfast TV, etc.) but, culturally, the BBC remains a London-based organisation which reflects the values and power of London/SE.

When the BBC did move there was a lot of squealing and moaning from quite a number of well-paid people who simply couldn't comprehend or accept that life exists beyond the M25.

Ha. I know what you mean

OP posts:
Nesbi · 20/06/2025 12:17

I think public service broadcasting is more important now than ever. Watching Trump try to destroy the US’s public service broadcaster (PBS) should serve as a chilling warning. It needs to be protected.

dairydebris · 20/06/2025 12:20

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 12:02

Two tier society and dangerous not to have something reliable we can all watch in times of trouble. We'll all come a cropper eventually because of it. Look what kids watch online these days.....and dont tell me mental health amongst the young is good
Thats what you get when viewing is splintered snd ppl don't share exposure to ideas.

Absolutely this.

You only have to look at what's happened in America to see this in action. 2 opposing sides and not a fact to be shared between them.

The BBC is brilliant. Not perfect, but excellent. The country would be a lot worse off without it.

Who should pay and how is another question. But I absolutely 100% think it should continue to be funded.

Isxmasoveryet · 20/06/2025 12:20

Never had a TV licence in my life and no intention of getting one they came to my door in 2002 they took me to court etc now t came near me since and I do watch BBC and I am on BBC mailing list for programme etc so I my book no need for it if they not bothered me in over 20 years they not that concerned

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 12:22

Nesbi · 20/06/2025 12:17

I think public service broadcasting is more important now than ever. Watching Trump try to destroy the US’s public service broadcaster (PBS) should serve as a chilling warning. It needs to be protected.

Totally agree

OP posts:
Womblingmerrily · 20/06/2025 12:23

I pay for it as I use the services it offers.

I don't think I have a societal duty to pay for it - for me to believe that it would have to broaden the range of people it employs from all educational background, reduce nepotism and cut salaries.

I don't think my children would pay for it, but they don't watch it/listen to it etc.

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 12:23

dairydebris · 20/06/2025 12:20

Absolutely this.

You only have to look at what's happened in America to see this in action. 2 opposing sides and not a fact to be shared between them.

The BBC is brilliant. Not perfect, but excellent. The country would be a lot worse off without it.

Who should pay and how is another question. But I absolutely 100% think it should continue to be funded.

Exactly

OP posts:
dairydebris · 20/06/2025 12:26

ExtraOnions · 20/06/2025 12:15

The BBC licence fee supports thousands of business involved in the creative arts, it’s the licence fee that ensures the survival of that industry .. which is why you’ll not hear many commercial stations asking for its abolition.
It’s also manages the play-out Networks, ensuring the correct protocols are in place that makes sure your steaming services work, and work together on various differing platforms... there is no money to be made in that work, hence why the BBC does it.
It also mangers the R&D groups around new technology, again making sure that broadcasters work together.
They also support The Open University and BBC Bitesized, making sure than people of all backgrounds can access educational resources.
The World Service is used to get news and information to people in countries where they can’t normally access the media.
They broadcast shows for people with disabilities, using sign language more than any other Broadcaster.
It’s hugely contributes to Music, supporting Orchestras, New Acts, Classical .. all genres.
BBC Factual, a place where Gardeners, Scientists, Astonomers etc could gather. Has anyone else tried to make Gardners World?
The also help to grown new ideas, that create whole new programming streams.
The Early Years content as well, helping to educate the next generation.

They do a lot more than Broadcast a breakfast show. The impact, support, and development of both Creative Arts, and Technology is enormous.

There is lots of content I don’t access, but I appreciate the part that it plays on the ongoing cultural development of the country.

Edited

Imagine trying to pitch Gardeners QT?

JustASmallBear · 20/06/2025 12:27

The BBC is not unbiased. In many instances it reports equally but puts a more positive slant on one aspect compared to the other. In other instances, it gives the same weight to a factual stance as it does to an opinion not backed up by facts. It is incredibly biased in programmes such as Question Time where it gives extensive airtime to certain people. It does not accept criticism.

Look at Newsnight. A once decent programme now castrated beyond measure. In fact, I have no idea if it still exists.

BBC4, a decent channel in a world of dumbing down, was pretry much axed.

All the reasons people once thought it worth paying a license are diminishing. It's no different now to Sky or whatever, so people shouldn't be strong armed into supporting it.

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 12:29

dairydebris · 20/06/2025 12:26

Imagine trying to pitch Gardeners QT?

Absolutely..they do loads of stuff ppl just don't think ajout

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Portakalkedi · 20/06/2025 12:30

Haven't had a licence for years, and no I don't watch live tv. BBC has been crap for years, is very politically biased and now very woke. They DO have ads, it's just that the ads are all for BBC programmes and services. Long overdue for a move to a monthly subscription model at least rather than the deliberately complicated and threatening licence fee.

CurlewKate · 20/06/2025 12:30

I think the fact that everyone thinks the BBC is biased against their particular political viewpoint suggests that it is actually pretty balanced!

Snorlaxo · 20/06/2025 12:31

I resent paying the license fee because I rarely watch or listen to BBC output. It’s not more balanced than other broadcasters who show adverts - it really should be a subscription thing like kids channels on Sky.

I think that they would make money allowing people overseas to watch iplayer etc

biedrona · 20/06/2025 12:32

I take it you got an email from TV licence folk?

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 12:32

JustASmallBear · 20/06/2025 12:27

The BBC is not unbiased. In many instances it reports equally but puts a more positive slant on one aspect compared to the other. In other instances, it gives the same weight to a factual stance as it does to an opinion not backed up by facts. It is incredibly biased in programmes such as Question Time where it gives extensive airtime to certain people. It does not accept criticism.

Look at Newsnight. A once decent programme now castrated beyond measure. In fact, I have no idea if it still exists.

BBC4, a decent channel in a world of dumbing down, was pretry much axed.

All the reasons people once thought it worth paying a license are diminishing. It's no different now to Sky or whatever, so people shouldn't be strong armed into supporting it.

Are you saying it's shifted to the right? Or just that its editorially lazier ?

OP posts:
Perhapsanothertime · 20/06/2025 12:33

It’s worth it for bargain hunt alone! 🤣🤣

TBH I couldn’t probs live without any live TV, I’m a streamer. I do like having iPlayer though.
And other half is a “stick the tv on” kind of person soo would need it for that!

Roselilly36 · 20/06/2025 12:42

I pay because we watch live sport, but we never watch bbc generally. I wouldn’t watch news on BBC.

Oatshakenespresso · 20/06/2025 12:52

Daygloboo · 20/06/2025 11:31

I think it's really wrong not to pay for a public broadcaster. They try to be unbiased in a world full of broadcasters who tell lies and try to manipulate the audience. You can't honestly believe that some of the other networks don't tell the most appalling lies and twist opinion in favour of their billionaire backers.

Aren’t the bbc the ones responsible for all the peadophiles who were fiddling children on set?

I wouldn’t pay or support them

Absentmindedsmile · 20/06/2025 12:58

Oatshakenespresso · 20/06/2025 12:52

Aren’t the bbc the ones responsible for all the peadophiles who were fiddling children on set?

I wouldn’t pay or support them

Jimmy Saville, Phillip Schofield, Huw Edwards, the ones we know about anyway. On set or not.

Triatle · 20/06/2025 13:00

Poor BBC 🙄 Perhaps they wouldn't have lost so much support if they didn't employ the bullying methods they use. They'd also save some serious dosh not sending out all the gazillions of monthly bullshit bullying letters. The cost of sending all those letters alone would probably pay the annual salary of a single MOTD presenter.

No sympathy or support for them because I cannot support a business that acts in this manner and I'm not even getting started on Saville.

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