2007-01-04 02:30:31 · 7 answers · asked by terence francis 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
When first introduced on 1 June 1946 the licence covering the monochrome-only single-channel BBC television service cost £2.00
2007-01-04 02:34:46 · answer #1 · answered by Honey W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The wireless telegraphy act 1949
The primary authority remains the Wireless Telegraphy Act [1949], which states [section 1.--(1)] that it is an offence to:
"... instal or use any apparatus for wireless telegraphy except under the authority of a licence [by the BBC] in that behalf granted by the Postmaster General ...". The Postmaster General is the government minister with responsibility for broadcasting.
The 1949 Act does not define a television receiver, but there is a working definition in section 3 [Meaning of Television Receiver] of the Wireless Telegraphy [Television Licence Fees] Regulations [1997]:
"... such apparatus installed or used for the purpose of receiving television programme services, as defined by section 2.--(4) of the Broadcasting Act 1990, whether or not the apparatus is installed or used for other purposes.
Finally, section 2.--(4) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 defines a "television programme service" quite widely, to include most terrestrial broadcast, cable and satellite TV service. It does not, however, include text-based broadcasts like teletext.
So, in summary, the statutory position appears to be that a licence is required if you install or use apparatus for the purpose of receiving television programme services.
2007-01-04 10:42:25 · answer #2 · answered by CLIVE H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1922 - start of a national radio service as a state monopoly. Rather than to be funded by advertising, the government decides to finance the British Broadcasting Company Ltd by a General Post Office licence fee of 10/- (10 shillings or 50p), on and from 1 November.
2007-01-04 10:35:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A similar licence, mandated by the 1904 Wireless Telegraphy Act, used to exist for radios, but was abolished in 1971. Therefore, those who only listen to radio and have no television receiving equipment no longer have to pay a licence fee.
2007-01-04 10:35:11 · answer #4 · answered by rusty red 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As soon as TV's were on sale! They were a radio license before that
2007-01-04 10:35:06 · answer #5 · answered by Sir Sidney Snot 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We dont have tv licenses in the US.
2007-01-04 15:39:56 · answer #6 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wish they would scrap it....if there was anything worth watching I wouldnt mind paying it.
2007-01-07 16:15:04 · answer #7 · answered by ella915824 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋