bbc

[mr.bungle]

Is it true that if you write to the bbc asking for a copy of a show they have ran on tv, they have to send you it because you paid for it with your tv licence?

[Ethel]

No.

[JudgeJ]

Let�s think this through, mr. bungle. If it were true then any one of the BBC�s licence fee payers could demand a copy (presumably on tape or disc) of any broadcast. Let�s say, very conservatively, that this would cost the BBC �2 to produce and supply this. This means each licence payer could ask for just one tape/disc each week and it would cost the BBC almost that licence payer�s entire contribution for the year! Just where do these ridiculous ideas originate???

The TV licence fee is not a purchase scheme for programmes any more than a Road Fund Licence buys you a strip of road. It is required if you want to watch broadcast television. The TV Licence fee does not even entitle you to specifically receive BBC television broadcasts, let alone tapes of them. Even if you can prove that either cannot or do not receive BBC TV broadcasts, you are still liable to pay a licence fee if you watch any broadcasts by any provider. The definitions of broadcasts and providers are laid down in law. "Receiving broadcasts" has been ruled to include recordings of programmes made to watch later. Providers include cable companies, Sky and internet providers.

[rojash]

And just to add - would you expect to be able to request a copy of a TV program from Sky because you paid for it with your subscription? If you held shares in a company, would you expect to get all their products for free because you won the company?

[whiskeysheri]

I think they send you one as goodwill, if you ever appeared on the actual programme

[THECORBYLOON]

JudgeJ is that a "NO" then?

[marmaduke]

You can usually ask for a copy of a programme, as long as you ask well. Most people don't ask, because most people don't care enough or don't know, or are too stupid.

[Oneeyedvic]

I am also guessing here that UKTV Gold would go out of business!

[jake-the-peg]

You didn't hear this on April 1st did you?

[mr.bungle]

I heard when i was at school 17 years ago and someone (up the pub) came out with the same thing the other day. Its urban myth then. Thanks JudgeJ it was a bit of a stupid question but i needed closure!

[Thunderchild]

no question asked in honest good faith is a stupid one what is stupid is to be ignorant for want of freely asking

[mr.bungle]

I like your attitude thunderchild, thanks everybody.

[Gandy]

If you have any done any media work for the beeb then you know that you have to sign your rights away as your work goes into the public domain.

Get a 3rd party media contract from the beeb and check it out