From: Chris Trayner <C.Trayner@leeds.ac.uk>
To: "rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org" <rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org>
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:55:17 +0000
Thread-Topic: LF: OT End of the BBC World Service on Shortwave
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On 31 Jan 2011, at 10:20, M0FMT wrote:
However the BBC world service, the Government mouth-piece, is currently fu=
nded by direct taxation which is probable more equitable than the new plan=
 which is to fund it out of the compulsory so called Licence Fee, collecte=
d under threat of imprisonment, which is really a tax on a tax i.e. paid=
 out of taxed income.

This is the dark side of English culture.

Commercial radio and TV are arguably as bad or worse. They are paid for by=
 advertising; the firms which advertise get their advert money from sellin=
g products. So if you buy products which are advertised you are presumably=
 subsidising many commercial channels which you don't watch, many indeed=
 outside your area. You can choose not to have a TV and licence, but you=
 can't realistically chose not to buy these products.

But, really, do any of us care? The BBC Licence Fee is probably less than=
 1% of your post-tax income.

73,
Chris G4OKW