Comments by "earthstick" (@earthstick) on "Defund the BBC" video.

  1. I don't see where the legal basis for the TV licence is. For instance LBC make live transmissions of their own content that is transmitted over the internet. The description of the licence is that it is to view 'live transmissions'. It omits to say who produced the content or the channel that is being viewed. If it does not say specifically which content and channel then according to the letter of the licence all live transmissions of content fall under the category of 'live transmission'. I am arguing that LBC content, viewed live, counts as a live transmission therefore requires a licence to view it live. But LBC do not receive revenue from the licence fee. Only the BBC and Channel 4 receive the proceeds of the licence fee. However neither the BBC or Channel 4 have produced the content and the transmission is via the internet, which they do not own. If they do not own the content or the delivery system then how can they lay claim to receiving revenue for viewing that content live? You cannot sell what you don't own. I cannot charge a licence fee to breathe the air because I do not own the air. And I cannot sell something or charge for use of something that I do not own. Clearly there is a licence and someone has said it is to view live transmissions but again you cannot just make up a law to say everyone must pay you some money. Is there some patent they own and a licence has to be paid for use of a patented technique? What is the basis for the licence?
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