Will we have to prove that we don't own a laptop with the threat of €xxx fine, plus penalty interest, plus a flogging if we don't own up? I can see Big Phil and the boys salivating on this one.
I doubt it will be based on the devices you have, or the internet access you have. It'll likely be levied on everyone.
IMHO definitely not. Admittedly I'm basing this on the only data I have to hand but just compare RTE to TV3, or BBC to ITV, which do you find offer the superior offering, the public state broadcaster or the private commercial enterprise? I think both RTE and BBC are streets ahead and would hate to see the day when we have no choice but to watch the drivel that market forces decide that we should watch.Would it not be better if RTE was sold on the open market, the license fee was done away with and let whoever wants to provide a service of interest that's econimical do so?
There are two arguments:I do find it strange that the TV license for RTE always causes issue with people yet the vast majority of people (81% as of last August according to here) are happy to hand over upwards of €250 a year to watch mainly the same channels that they can already view for free via Saorview and Free to Air satellite (apart from sport and movies fans). In my view €160 a year for RTE 1, 2, TG4 (yes I do watch it and enjoy it!), and all the RTE radio channels is good value and I'm happy to pay it.
IMHO definitely not. Admittedly I'm basing this on the only data I have to hand but just compare RTE to TV3, or BBC to ITV, which do you find offer the superior offering, the public state broadcaster or the private commercial enterprise? I think both RTE and BBC are streets ahead and would hate to see the day when we have no choice but to watch the drivel that market forces decide that we should watch.
In my view €160 a year for RTE 1, 2, TG4 (yes I do watch it and enjoy it!), and all the RTE radio channels is good value and I'm happy to pay it.
There are two arguments:
2. It's poor value for money - In which case I agree fully with Ceist Beag
I wasn't saying it was a level playing field Firefly - I was pointing out that when you take away the license fee you're left with a budget equivalent to TV3 and I certainly don't think this is where I would like RTE to go.How can TV3 possibly compete when RTE gets the lions share of the TV licence AND is back stopped by the taxpayer to pay the wages? RTE as a result has a much larger budget than TV3 and can therefore show better programs which are paid for by the taxpayer twice. Not even close to a level playing field.
i wasn't saying it was a level playing field firefly - i was pointing out that when you take away the license fee you're left with a budget equivalent to tv3 and i certainly don't think this is where i would like rte to go.
Basically this argument for me comes down to, should the public subsidize the state broadcaster or not. I think the vast majority would vote to continue to subsidize it. Not all taxes paid by taxpayers is for the benefit of everyone. This is no different imho.
..I think the vast majority would vote to continue to subsidize it.
I wasn't saying it was a level playing field Firefly - I was pointing out that when you take away the license fee you're left with a budget equivalent to TV3 and I certainly don't think this is where I would like RTE to go.