Results of TV study

If the licence police come round and find the TV under the stairs, apricot they won't believe you're not watching it.

I don't think they come around any more - I think what happens is that those addresses without a TV licence are contacted - well I think that is what happens

The trouble is, Apricot, I like a large screen!

If the license people are going to catch you anyway you might as well keep it out. Some of the most interesting programmes I've found have been sheer serendipity finding them while browsing. Just looking once a week at programme listings or reviews by someone else risks missing out on unexpected goodies but its your choice of course.

Why not just get rid of it? What is the point of it under the stairs when someone else might enjoy it?

I am very suspicious of people who can find nothing on TV that interests them. Granted there is heaps of crap - but there is also excellent drama, music, science, travel, discussion, history, comedy to brighten a gloomy day etc. And it is worth the license fee just for the broadcast Proms concerts on BBC4 - an annual treat that I love. And the Cardiff Singer of the World - I could go on.

How narrow in outlook does one have to be to find nothing to enjoy or to learn? I think there might be an element of snobbery creeping in here.

It does seem rather an odd choice to start a thread about - My Own Survey on My Own viewing habits!

If you were given the tv, apricot, I'd have thought you'd be able to find someone else who'd appreciate it as you've decided never to watch it again.

How can a study be 'in depth' if you only watch it once a fortnight?

I went into panic mode last night because the telly in my living room stopped working which means I couldn't watch i player etc. I have BBC4 on most evenings and there are fantastic films on Film4. Not to mention Poldark [be still my beating heart; sigh]. I must admit to browsing through the tv schedules sometimes and seing nothing that I want to watch but then find something on an obscure channel whilst channel hopping [Yesterday is particularly good]. And Ch4 catchup now has 'box sets' of old favourites such as Black Books etc. [my tv was ok in the end but there was a loose scart connection....]

.....don't you have to have a tv licence to listen to the radio?

Our life would be very dull without the TV.

DH would not be able to announce with glee that there's a bloody important football match on most of the evening.

He wouldn't be able to hog the remote control - or 'Onny Offy' as he calls it.

We wouldn't be able to shout 'What a load of crap rubbish' at most reality TV shows and then argue over what we're going to watch instead.

And Millie mummy dog wouldn't be able to hurl herself at the screen every time she sees a dog/cat/sheep/horse/fox/Nigel Farage.

Can't live without it I'm afraid.

Don't be afraid - be proud!

I used to think that it was perhaps snobby not to watch tv.
But I am coming across an increasing number of households[normally very bright households indeed I have to say] who only watch the very occasional tv programme.
I dont think that apricot is at all alone in this.

Not meaning myself by the way! I still watch a lot of tv!

I know my DD and SIL only tend to watch either films or stuff on Netflix etc although the children watch CBB's. If I mention anything I've seen on the telly they don't know what I'm talking about [notevenwatchingpoldark ]....

@Tegan - No I don't think there is any need for a licence to run a radio receiving station. However, if I had no TV Licence I would be chary of watching TV on computer - it surely must qualify as a receiving station? Anybody know the legal position?

Apart from all that, I find there is less TV that attracts me as time passes. I've no interest in soaps, ballroom dancing, 'talent' contests, sword and sorcery drama or sport in general... which is more or less the diet i am offered on the many channels I can receive.

Roll on Doctor Who! Meanwhile, there are repeats of The Avengers on Sky 184...

From the TV Licensing website:

'If you use a laptop to watch television programmes as they are being shown on TV then by law you need a TV Licence. If you use a laptop to view television programmes after they are shown on TV – for example by downloading programmes or via streaming on-demand – then you don’t need a Licence.'

The TV licence costs around 40p per day - which I think is pretty good value.

I can't understand why you say there is very little on that is worth watching. Admittedly there is a lot of rubbish - but in my opinion there are also some good programmes, including dramas such as Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax and Line of Duty - together with light entertainment and the news and current affairs programmes.

I wouldn't want to peer at a small screen to watch these programmes, and I wouldn't want my grandchildren having to access CCBC that way either - computer screens are said to be very bad for the eyes - especially for children.

I haven't read any evidence that states computer screens are very bad for anyone's eyes, Eloethan. If you watched one all day long it may cause eyestrain and/or dry eyes but not permanent damage.

I wouldn't want to watch tv programmes on a computer though, much prefer the TV.

My TV viewing is wide and varied and often leads to further investigation for example I have just read an biography entitled Richard 111 as a result of various programmes I have watched lately. I am also interested in the various art stuff and have been dipping into the Italian Rennaisance (can't spell). On the other hand I watch a lot of drama, I like comedy, and shear rubbish sometimes, it all depends on the mood I am in. There are other times when the TV doesn't go on at all and I am busy doing other stuff. The radio is good too, I think you should make use of everything to hand and enjoy!!

How to make a number one record on BBC4 tonight looks good.

Yes saw that - might record it. Gardeners World for me is a must. Been watching it for ever. Borde Hill Gardens is just up the road from us.

I didn't say there was nothing worth watching, just that I've watched very little. The "survey" was supposed to be funny.
I've put the TV out of sight because it's ugly, not because I'm afraid of prosecution. I'll get it out when I'm 75 and no longer need a licence.
I listen to the radio and get far more information and enjoyment from that than from the TV.
I know many people who say they never watch television but go on paying the licence fee. I can't afford to pay for anything I don't use.

I haven't read any evidence that states computer screens are very bad for anyone's eyes, Eloethan. If you watched one all day long it may cause eyestrain and/or dry eyes but not permanent damage

People who do a lot of work on computers for their job, are normally offered yearly eyetests.
I presume it is because of possible damage to eyes.

I worked for many years using a computer and was never offered an eye test!

I'm open to evidence that such damage is likely - please provide it if you can find it.