Advantages: None.
Disadvantages: Mainly that it is paying for something outdated.

...I am sometimes wondering why we have to have a television licence at a time when we have cable and digital television? A television licence was relevant for when it was "invented", when we "only" had BBC1 and BBC2. Its relevance started to loose credit the moment that the "commercial" ITV came along. Next we got Channel 4 and even more of the television licence's relevance was lost. In the meantime the cost of the television licence was rising. My grandfather has told me that he paid a third of what it costs today about 30-40 years ago. Then in the eighties the satellite television was launched, and in the nineties the cable television. As most of what is shown on satellite and cable, are foreign programmes and foreign channels, it makes even less sense that we are paying the television licence for the BBC, not to pay for foreign... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Reasonable value for money
Disadvantages: Compulsory, and terrifying if you can't afford it !

...of adverts on commercial channels overwhelmingly frustrating. The BBC provides 8 interactive TV channels, 10 radio networks, over 50 local TV and radio services and bbc.co.uk (see BBC channels). In January 2006 the BBC launched BBC jam, a free online learning service for 5 to 16 year olds, linked to key areas of the school curriculum.. BBC World Service is funded by Government grant and not your TV licence. Profits from separate BBC commercial services help to keep the licence fee low. -this is interesting because I have heard countless radio phone in programmes, with people saying that Johnny foreigners are getting FREE BBC at the license payers expense, this is not true…it is the taxpayer. Each household's colour TV licence cost £10.54 every month in 2005/2006. On average this was how the BBC used your money Television (eight network... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Can be some good programs out there
Disadvantages: To much junk

...We all know that Sex, violence, vulgarity, and commercialism on television infiltrates our lives. Still, most of us, still find that TV plays a big part in our daily routine. Getting rid of it may seem unthinkable. In fact, it is unnecessary. At its best, television will inform, entertain, stimulate, and can even provide for times of family togetherness. What, then, is the trick? Make the television a family friend--Not an Enemy. Invite it into your life only when you want it to be there. American families spend a lot of time in front of the television. Most people will have their television sets on for almost eight hours each day. Your children will watch an average of three and one half hours each day. This is more than any other activity except for sleeping. The amount of time that your children spend watching television... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages:
Disadvantages:

...This advert is only effective because you've seen it so many times. As an incentive to buy a mobile phone it is good, because you feel that if you buy one the annoying guy on the advert won't come and haunt you anymore during the commercial breaks. There is no point to the adverts, some guy standing on a rock or in a blank room with his mouth open but not actually saying anything is not exactly brilliant or good retail power. "Took the words right out of my mouth" has to be the most annoying phrase on television because I have heard it so many times now it is unbelievable!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Owned by the people (supposedly!)
Disadvantages: Struggling to keep up with other major market players

...Our TV is amongst the best in the world but what cost must we endure to maintain those standards? Without entering the realms of advertising the BBC will have to increase its license fee year on year, but surely by no more than inflation! - unlike this year. The BBC could endeavour to increase its revenue from films in the future and the further selling of commercial rights to programmes around the world - using the unique selling point that it is 'British!' In addition I believe that the reduced pensioner licence should also be followed by a reduced student licence. Not many students actually buy a licence and so a reduced price (even a token £25) would encourage them to buy one. This would increase the overall revenue greatly presently and in the future as the students would get into the habit of paying for a licence. Lets just... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: High quality TV without adverts
Disadvantages: Many need to seek alternative funding sources in the future

...Our TV is amongst the best in the world but what cost must we endure to maintain those standards? Without entering the realms of advertising the BBC will have to increase its license fee year on year, but surely by no more than inflation! - unlike this year. The BBC could endeavour to increase its revenue from films in the future and the further selling of commercial rights to programmes around the world - using the unique selling point that it is 'British!' In addition I believe that the reduced pensioner licence should also be followed by a reduced student licence. Not many students actually buy a licence and so a reduced price (even a token £25) would encourage them to buy one. This would increase the overall revenue greatly presently and in the future as the students would get into the habit of paying for a licence. Lets just... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A definite pick-me-up during bored or depressed phases
Disadvantages: Could easily spend hours and hours on this site!

...This TV archive site, compiled by Billy Ingram, is superbly nostalgic. It answers those questions you have been asking about those all but forgotten programmes and clips. Memories of halcyon childhood days are restored in an instant with this marvellous tribute to television of the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. You can view embarrassing moments, outrageous commercials, hilarious 70’s games shows, kids’ shows, action shows and much, much more. Included are movie star profiles, audio and video clips, unseen scenes and the biggest flops! An easy on the eye design and an amazingly detailed, but very simple to navigate site that will keep you amused for hours.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A livelier coverage
Disadvantages: Rain still stops play

...As with Formula One, a commercial TV station has taken over coverage of an established BBC area and has shown them how to do it! The commentary is snappier, more opinionated (maybe they've visited Ciao!)and more varied. Headhunting Richie Benaud (as with F1 and Murray Walker) keeps the touch of authority in the talk-team too. The gadgetry is used to good effect (the Snickometer and the Red Line overlay for example) and new camera angles spice up coverage no end. Congratulations are due to C4 - they've actually managed to make a potentially dull game much more intetresting. Well worth catching a game if you haven't seen TV cricket recently and had previously been sent asleep by the Beeb!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: BBC stands or falls as a commercial organisation
Disadvantages: I would like someone to put a disadvantage forward please !

...The BBC spent 196 million pounds last year in order to recover TV licence fees. Greg Dyke earns £750 000 a year. That is our money that is paying his mortgage ! In a time where commercial globalisation is the watchword for business and industry and the monopoly commission is all powerful, we have institutionalised blackmail in order to prop up a nationalised industry for the benefit of no one except those with their noses in the trough. It is time for the BBC to start earning its keep and to justify its existence. If someone in Britain watches the BBC without a licence they can be put in jail. If someone abroad watches that same BBC programme they do not need a licence. We pay for cable and satellite services and we have a choice with those services.We have no choice as regards the BBC. Lets get rid of the TV licence and enjoy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: fun, entertaining, you don't go to sleep
Disadvantages: none

...I decide to watch this film after seeing a trailer at the cinema and watching the TV commercials. It’s about a talking mouse which gets adopted by a couple. Their son rejects it but then starts to like it when it wins a boat race. The couple’s pet cat doesn’t like being the pet of a mouse as his other cat friends are teasing him. They decide to get rid of the mouse. At the end the cat starts to like the mouse and that’s what the film is about. I like the film and I recommend it to anyone.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful