# State run TV and Big Brother **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 23, 2003, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-run-tv-and-big-brother/220649 "2003-12-23T14:45:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![gleeb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f14d63/32.png) [@gleeb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gleeb)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-run-tv-and-big-brother/220649/41 "2003-12-24T02:41:12Z")
> [@](#): > > My grandfather fought the Nazis so that people wouldn’t have to be labeled like this. Bet you’re sorry he won. ---
**Author:** ![gleeb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f14d63/32.png) [@gleeb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gleeb)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-run-tv-and-big-brother/220649/42 "2003-12-24T04:23:23Z")
And ya know, here in the USofA, I just finished listening to a public broadcast of JS Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos. Pretty damn good stuff. Now, it can be argued that such stuff is elitist (I agree; but in this case I think elitist means “really good, but in your face”); or pandering (Sure, the B. Concertos are well known and often recorded, but then, if teevee is an entry drug to other cultural experiences, an introduction that some folks ain’t yet had.); or irrelevant (in which case, you must be a nut). And, you know, it’s a constant reminder to us here in the states that our culturally uplifting broadcasts are a **favor** of a few large corporations. Ya know, I wouldn’t mind a tax for art (maybe provided it wasn’t that Tate Modern-type crap, but then again, maybe not - gotta leave the world free for new ideas. Crap is the price we have to pay for a free vision.), just as long as it was provided free of some damn corporate accountant. Y’all got it pretty sweet, in some ways. And of course, art exhibits funded by advertising folks is a pretty stupid concept from the get-go, isn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-run-tv-and-big-brother/220649/43 "2003-12-24T04:44:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by cowgirl \* > \*\*Did he fight them so that **cars** (and televisions) wouldn’t have to be labelled? \*\* Whoops, forgot to add that smiley with the rolling eyes. Apologies. Here’s one for good measure. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![fortytwo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f9ae1b/32.png) [@fortytwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fortytwo)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-run-tv-and-big-brother/220649/44 "2003-12-24T16:44:12Z")
I wasn’t going to fall for this old chestnut, after all we’ve heard it all before. Those members of UK society who rubbish the whole output of the BBC, and swear that they never watch/ listen/ log on to any of the BBC’s output - but are experts enough to consider that’s it all rubbish. Herge is one of those who either doesn’t use any of the BBC’s output, but knows somehow that it is sub standard, or does use it and considers that he/she should be exempt from paying. The cheek of the BBC wanting to get paid for the service they provide and using heavy handed tactics in an attempt to scare people into paying. This is a list of what we all get per household for our 32 pence a day licence fee. (and you can watch as many televisions / listen to as many radio stations / surf as often as you like in each house) TV channels: BBC 1 ( Entertainment ) BBC 2 ( “ ) BBC 3 (New- Drama, Talent, Comedy, Films etc. ) BBC 4 ( Culture, Arts, Science, History etc.) CBBC ( Children ) Cbeebies ( Smaller Children ) BBC Parliament ( Guess! ) BBC 24 ( Dedicated News ) Radio channels: Radio 1 ( Contemporary Music ) Radio 2 ( Easy listening Music) Radio 3 ( Classical Music ) Radio 4 ( Talk, Current Affairs, Plays etc. ) Radio 5 ( News and Sport ) Plus at least 5 digital radio stations. World Service About 39 local radio stations. I’ve possibly missed some of the BBC’s output, but I think even what I’ve mentioned makes it pretty good value for money and personally I like the idea of a programme that is shown advert free too. The BBC also has a very extensive web site ( apparently 3,000,000 + pages )which is probably one of the most visited in the UK ( but not by Herge) It also provides a fairly independent political stance ( proved by the fact that at times it can upset each of the main parties ) And finally don’t forget the Shipping Forecast.🙂 V ---
**Author:** ![Herge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Herge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Herge)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-run-tv-and-big-brother/220649/45 "2003-12-24T18:25:30Z")
Shucks. You guys! I never knew I would receive such overwhelming support for my point of view. \ But seriously, I thought maybe one person would agree with me. everton, I’m not paying other peoples share of the licence fee. The BBC does not receive as much as they would if everyone paid - I don’t think thats the same thing. Vetch - I don’t think the BBCs output is all rubbish, just some of it. Gary Kumquat - I’m touched by your kindness, its nice to see you entering into the spirit of Christmas - good will to all men! I can see now that this thread has gone down about as well as a pork sausage at a barmitzvar, so I won’t be ranting anymore about the licence fee. In fairness, I agree with OP was a bit lame - maybe I deserve a ticking off. ---
**Author:** ![eli\_the\_fanatic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ccd318/32.png) [@eli\_the\_fanatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eli_the_fanatic)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-run-tv-and-big-brother/220649/46 "2003-12-24T19:49:02Z")
I need a license to drive my car. We’re obviously living in Hitler’s Russia. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-run-tv-and-big-brother/220649.md?page=2)