BBC licence fee

Cancelled my license a few weeks ago, don’t watch BBC woke infested dramas anymore so can do without it, dodgy box is fine for me. Got a knock on the door this week, lad trying to crane his neck to see if he could see my TV screen which he can’t. Answered the door, he said “your TV licence has expired” I said I was well aware and I don’t watch live TV or any BBC I Player programme’s. He said “but you need it to watch any live TV”. I said he wasn’t listening and I’d told him I don’t watch live TV, he just fucked off, there’s nothing they can do.
So you "never" watch a news, the weather, MOTD or any live event when it's actually being broadcast, on any channel? It's a cup of coffee a day for all of the stuff they broadcast and it funds the radio channels too, which you never listen to in the car? I'm not sure you don't need one for watching anything on a stick, dodgy or not.

From what I can see, the BBC are investing lots to try to ensure that what they report is as accurate as possible with their Verify programmes. This will only become more important as AI has a greater impact on our lives and how news is reported.

Define "woke infested".
 
So you "never" watch a news, the weather, MOTD or any live event when it's actually being broadcast, on any channel? It's a cup of coffee a day for all of the stuff they broadcast and it funds the radio channels too, which you never listen to in the car? I'm not sure you don't need one for watching anything on a stick, dodgy or not.

From what I can see, the BBC are investing lots to try to ensure that what they report is as accurate as possible with their Verify programmes. This will only become more important as AI has a greater impact on our lives and how news is reported.

Define "woke infested".
People who say this sort of thing about never watching stuff because its woke, aren't the people with any answers to anything they do, mate.
 
So you "never" watch a news, the weather, MOTD or any live event when it's actually being broadcast, on any channel? It's a cup of coffee a day for all of the stuff they broadcast and it funds the radio channels too, which you never listen to in the car? I'm not sure you don't need one for watching anything on a stick, dodgy or not.

From what I can see, the BBC are investing lots to try to ensure that what they report is as accurate as possible with their Verify programmes. This will only become more important as AI has a greater impact on our lives and how news is reported.

Define "woke infested".
Not that it’s anything to do with you but I’d never listen the BBC on the radio, I also don’t listen to or watch the news, weather or the pathetic MOTD.

I’m not supporting an organisation which has hidden paedophile’s in the past, and their media is so pro redshirt’s they can fuck off.

As for comparison with a brew that’s absolutely pointless, I’ve nothing against a brew unlike the BBC.
 
Not that it’s anything to do with you but I’d never listen the BBC on the radio, I also don’t listen to or watch the news, weather or the pathetic MOTD.

I’m not supporting an organisation which has hidden paedophile’s in the past, and their media is so pro redshirt’s they can fuck off.

As for comparison with a brew that’s absolutely pointless, I’ve nothing against a brew unlike the BBC.
Fair enough. Still none of my business but where do you get your news from-if they're any good and reputable, I may try them.

It is a fact that the BBC have some of the most reputable and experienced reporters, especially in war zones.

I agree with the red bias, but that applies to all of the sports media. The BBC has certainly changed, but so has all of the media especially in the last 10 years.

It's worth remembering it's a social lifeline for many older people and those that can't afford the likes of SKY as an alternative.

The comparison on cost may be "pointless" but it's a fact. But at least you've saved yourself 49p per day-well worth breaking the law for!!

Remind me about "woke".
 
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So you "never" watch a news, the weather, MOTD or any live event when it's actually being broadcast, on any channel? It's a cup of coffee a day for all of the stuff they broadcast and it funds the radio channels too, which you never listen to in the car? I'm not sure you don't need one for watching anything on a stick, dodgy or not.

From what I can see, the BBC are investing lots to try to ensure that what they report is as accurate as possible with their Verify programmes. This will only become more important as AI has a greater impact on our lives and how news is reported.

Define "woke infested".
Have you even seen there news programmes lately, they're like a Reform political broadcast
 
Cancelled my license a few weeks ago, don’t watch BBC woke infested dramas anymore so can do without it, dodgy box is fine for me. Got a knock on the door this week, lad trying to crane his neck to see if he could see my TV screen which he can’t. Answered the door, he said “your TV licence has expired” I said I was well aware and I don’t watch live TV or any BBC I Player programme’s. He said “but you need it to watch any live TV”. I said he wasn’t listening and I’d told him I don’t watch live TV, he just fucked off, there’s nothing they can do.
Actually, I think the BBC licence fee is value for money. Many won’t agree.
 
I watched what the BBC have labelled Vintage Antiques Roadshow (BBCspeak for a repeat) from 2000. I paid for a licence in 2000 so why do I have to pay again to watch stuff that's 25yrs old!
I’m listening to some 60s music on Spotify. I paid for the record in 1965, so why do I have to pay Spotify to listen to stuff that’s 60 years old!
 
I watched what the BBC have labelled Vintage Antiques Roadshow (BBCspeak for a repeat) from 2000. I paid for a licence in 2000 so why do I have to pay again to watch stuff that's 25yrs old!
Although we all know it funds the BBC, we also know it's not just confined to the BBC for viewing:

A TV licence is required if you do any of the following on any device:
  • Watch or record "Live TV" as it is being shown on any channel or service. This includes watching a programme at the same time it is broadcast, even if you watch on a +1 or delayed channel.
  • Use BBC iPlayer to watch or download any content, whether it is live, catch-up, or on-demand.
    TV Licensing +3

Streaming Services and the "Live" Rule
You generally do not need a licence for on-demand content on most streaming platforms (except BBC iPlayer). However, you do need a licence if you use these platforms to watch live broadcasts.
TV Licensing +2

  • Netflix: Not required for on-demand movies/series, but required if you watch live events (e.g., live sports or live-streamed specials).
  • Amazon Prime Video: Required if you watch live sports (like Premier League matches) or any live TV channels through the service.
  • YouTube: Required if you watch a live TV channel being broadcast (e.g., Sky News live), but not for standard on-demand clips or videos.
  • Disney+ & Apple TV+: Currently these services only offer on-demand content in the UK, so a licence is not required.
  • ITVX, Channel 4, My5: Not required for catch-up/on-demand shows, but required if you use their "Watch Live" features.
    GOV.UK +5
 
Or maybe we should go down the German route:

The German version of the TV licence is known as the Rundfunkbeitrag (Broadcasting Contribution). It is a mandatory fee that every household in Germany is legally required to pay, regardless of whether they actually own a TV or radio.
FacebookFacebook +2

Key Details
  • Cost: As of March 2026, the fee is €18.36 per month. Payments are typically made quarterly (€55.08).
  • Structure: The fee is charged per household, not per person. If you live in a shared flat (WG), only one person needs to be registered and pay the fee for the entire residence.
  • Purpose: It funds Germany's public broadcasters, including ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio, to ensure they remain independent of government and commercial influence.
  • Administration: The fee is collected by the Beitragsservice, an organisation formerly known as the GEZ. You will usually receive a letter from them shortly after registering your address (Anmeldung) at the local town hall.

Exemptions and Reductions
While most residents must pay, certain groups can apply for an exemption or reduction:
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  • Social Benefit Recipients: Individuals receiving benefits like Bürgergeld (formerly ALG II) or BAföG (for students not living with parents) can apply for an exemption.
  • Disabilities: People with certain disabilities (specifically those with the "RF" mark on their disability ID) may be eligible for a reduced fee.

Important Note for Expats
If you move out of Germany, you must explicitly deregister with the Beitragsservice by providing your Abmeldung (deregistration) certificate. If you do not, the service will continue to bill you, and debts can follow you if you ever return to the country.
formatera.comformatera.com +1
Are you currently living in a shared flat or looking to apply for an exemption?

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Genuinely don’t watch BBC, it’s shite in my opinion.
That’s fair enough, it your opinion. I think it has it’s fault but at what? £15 a month for all the radio stations, which I don’t listen to but if I choose to, I can. For BBC1, 2, 3 & 4. Plus, Iplayer. Fantastic value.
 

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