Re: De-criminalisation of non-payment of TV Tax?
Originally Posted by
bakerman
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Being an American, I am quite confused about what a tv license is ? If you have a tv then you must pay a fee ? If so, how much does it cost/month. Do I understand that there are tv detection vans roaming the streets ?
In the U.S. there is no such thing as a tv license. There are 5 main free broadcasting stations: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS. EACH national broadcaster has several channels which means that you can watch 2 or 3 different programs at any specific time. Thus, there may be aprox up to 15 tv stations playing free programing.
Of course, there are several other ways of watching tv: having a satellite dish and/or cable tv. Both of which have a monthly charge. Additionally, both ways will offer internet services so you can use your laptop/PC.
I have to say I envy you!
I'm not really sure how good the TV programmes are. Most American programmes we see over here, I have to say in all honesty, are every so slightly crap!
Having said that, our own TV programmes these days are ever so slightly crap too!
I assume that ALL of your TV channels contain advertisements, which I suspect is why you don't have to pay a licence fee like we do. Presumably, the adverts pay for all your TV programmes AND the transmission network.
I do believe that we should have the same here: free television, just as you have.
Another question if I may, and I'm sure most people here know why I'm asking it, is do any of your TV companies have a perceptible political bias?