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http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> Licence fee cut? http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1279316112 Message started by Administrator on Jul 16^th, 2010, 9:36pm

Title: Licence fee cut?
Post by Administrator on Jul 16^th, 2010, 9:36pm

By:- Andrew Porter, Political Editor Daily Telegraph.

Television viewers can soon expect to pay less for their BBC licence fee as part of the austerity drive in public spending, Jeremy Hunt, the Culture Secretary, will signal on Saturday.

In an interview in today’s Daily Telegraph, Mr Hunt says the broadcaster needs to change “huge numbers” of things that it does, warning the management that they should not interpret his silence on the issue of the licence fee since the election as a sign that he is happy with it.

In his most explicit statement yet on the future of the £145.50 a year levy, the Culture Secretary says that he can “absolutely” see viewers paying less following next year’s negotiations between the government and the BBC.

Responding to a question over whether the fee could fall at the next settlement, he says: “Yes I could. Absolutely. I think that’s the discussion that we need to have.

“The BBC should not interpret the fact that we haven’t said anything about the way licence fee payers funds are used as an indication that we are happy about it. We will be having very tough discussions.”

Mr Hunt has been careful to not pre-judge the outcome of licence fee discussions but his comments are the clearest indication yet that the Coalition wants it reduced.

The process of reviewing the licence fee will begin next year and Mr Hunt says that is when he will use his “electoral mandate to say to the BBC now going forward for next five years.” A new lower licence fee could then be in place for 2012.

The Culture Secretary, who says that imminent government cuts will be “horrible” adds: “There a moment when elected politicians have an opportunity to influence the BBC and it happens every five years. It is when the licence fee is renewed.”

At a time when Whitehall departments are facing cuts of up to 40 per cent, Mr Hunt says: “The BBC will have to make tough decisions like everyone else.

“There are huge numbers of things that need to be changed at the BBC. They need to demonstrate the very constrained financial situation we are now in.”

“All the concerns I had in opposition about executive salaries and use of licence fee funds for things many people thought were extraordinary or outrageous - that (next year) will be moment when I express them.”

In recent weeks the BBC has embarked on what appears to be a pre-emptive series of policy announcements designed to head off a clash with Government over the licence fee and how it is used.

It has said it will close its generous pension scheme to new members and promised to cut salary bills at the top of the corporation by 25 per cent over the next 18 months.

Sir Michael Lyons, the chairman of the BBC Trust, has also indicated he wants the salaries of top “stars” published.

Sir Michael has suggested earnings should be published in bands, such as £750,000 - £1m, £1m - £5m and above £5m. He acknowledged that it is an area where the BBC needs to recapture the confidence of the public,

Earlier this month the corporation’s annual report showed an increase in the BBC’s overall staff numbers and pay bill. The latest figures show that at least 85 senior managers earn more than David Cameron’s £142,500 salary.

This week the executive salaries were described as “preposterous” by Paul Gambaccini, the veteran broadcaster. He accused the corporation of allowing the values of the commercial sector to infect the BBC and help drive up pay.

In the interview Mr Hunt reveals that he will soon, despite management objections, be sending in the National Audit Office, to examine the BBC’s books.

He says: “One of the biggest issues with the BBC is there seem to be a steady flow of stories where the way that licence fee payers funds are used is not appropriate. Their policy on executive remuneration is the biggest.

“It is absolutely essential that the NAO has access.”

Earlier this year BSkyB called for the BBC Trust “to reduce the burden on the licence fee payer”.

An annual colour TV licence now costs £145.50. It rose from £142.50 in April.

In today’s interview Mr Hunt - who has responsibility for the 2012 London Olympics - also expresses his concerns that terrorist groups already in Britain are targeting the Games.

He says: “We’ve got a number of terrorist networks in the UK at the moment actively plotting to cause major, major carnage. So security is going to be an issue.

“It’s an obvious target. We have to assume they are targeting it and we have to be ready for that.”

Source:-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7895750/Licence-fee-for-wasteful-BBC-will-be-cut.html

Title: Re: Licence fee cut?
Post by raytwhite on Jul 19^th, 2010, 8:57am

I go much further. I'd get rid of the licence fee entirely, with its expensive and environmentally unecessary paper-based system and fund the Corporation with a simple Grant in Aid, as done with the BBC World Service. I might also consider splitting the BBC into two separate arms - one part funded by the state, providing programmes on R1-4, BBC1 and BBC2 that were exclusively for the taxpayer, providing true 'public service' networks, and a commercial arm that would operate the remaining stations and distribute DVDs, as well as other products. Job done, no need to do any more...

Title: Re: Licence fee cut?
Post by HMG on Jul 19^th, 2010, 9:37am

Radio 1 to 4 and BBC 1 and BBC2. Would that not be the true and tested model that worked for many years.
Forget www selling ice creams and toilet paper etc etc. Make programmes for home consumption of quality. If anyone else wants them let private companies (un BBC connected) buy them and market them. Any money made goes back into programmes.
I live in Cape Town and watch BBC Entertainment via DSTV. DSTV are the pits and BBC Ent is but a bag of crap in it. A weekend of continuous TOP Gear. A day of 'allo 'allo. etc etc Good programmes but for 72 hours head to tail. Holby City/Casualty 5 years plus old. When I see the amount the guy who runs World Wide earns I despair. I complained to him on the phone his answer was "That's what modern TV is about...wall wall repeats".... All he does is walk out and look in the dustbins at TVC and sell what he digs out around the world.
QUOTE:
John Smith, head of BBC Worldwide – his total pay increased from £560,000 in 08/09 to £836,000 for the year to the end of March this year. Photograph: FRANK BARON for the Guardian
QUOTE
leading to its chief executive, John Smith, taking home a recession-busting remuneration package up 47% year on year to £823,000.

Mark Sweney guardian.co.uk, Monday 5 July 2010

Title: Re: Licence fee cut?
Post by WILLIAM on Jul 19^th, 2010, 10:38am

It would be most interesting to see what the public's reaction would be if it were suggested that advertising be applied when raising revenue for the BBC.
I suspect that there would not be too much public hostility-given the current climate, especially if the licence fee was scrapped.

Title: Re: Licence fee cut?
Post by HMG on Jul 19^th, 2010, 10:56am

I think the public would be quite happy. It would mean that instead of the BBC filling up dead airtime with multi million pound BBC promos making someones'( ie BBC staff) wife/husband/partners!or relations ad agencies etc extra rich they would watch adverts that were paid for in real money and not subsidise back handers. No difference to the viewer in entertaining terms as both are as boring as each other... but one is cheaper than the other would keep a few noses out the trough!!
No names..No pack drill!!! nod nod..... wink wink!!

Title: Re: Licence fee cut?
Post by craig on Jul 21^st, 2010, 3:53pm