Which countries need a TV license and why??

Question

Why does Britain need a tv license and which other countries need one.

if i went to buy a gun or a car, i would need to show them my license. so why does no one care when i go to buy a tv?

Answer 1

Tv Licensing is just another UK tax, more money for the government for TV stations that are cr@p

Answer 2

I think owning a tv is a lot different then owning a gun or a car. A gun or car can be lethal if in the wrong hands. How many people do you know killed by a tv??  

Answer 3

You need a TV license in the UK because that's how the BBC is funded.

The reason you don't need to show a license to buy a TV is that there are numerous legal uses for a TV that don't need a license - such as using it to play video games or watch DVD's.

Richard

Answer 4

The TV licence is how the BBC is funded, it is not a tax in as much as you have no obligation to own a television.

That is why most UK governments dislike the BBC news service, and why Blair in particular wanted to cut BBC funding.

The BBC's initail remit was to "uplift entertain and inform", the trouble with a well informed public is they will criticise their government. Not many people like having someone looking over their shoulder as they work, I certainly don't but I am not involved with running the country which I believe does require constant scrutiny.

The other free to air channels are funded by advertising and thus subject to commercial pressures, limiting their power to critcise the way the country conducts its business, compare the cost of subscription channels to the TV licence - I think its a bargain!

Answer 5

I don't think anyone apart from us ( the UK) have TV licences.Whatever it was when the BBC started in the 30s it's now a Tax.You don't need a TV licence when you buy one because the seller has to notify the TVLA you bought one You are then on their database so they can chase you if you have not already paid the TV tax.