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Comment by rmellow | Hacker News Reader

GP likely lives in the UK where households are subject to a mandatory TV Licence, which fees are used to fund the BBC.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_licensing_in_the_...

There are many things wrong with the TV license system, but I think saying it is 'mandatory' is a little misleading. As the Wikipedia article states, you need a TV license if you want to watch or record live broadcasted material (and iplayer). You can own a TV and not pay for a TV license and use it for Netflix, YouTube, gaming etc legally.

For my entire adult life I've never paid for a TV license, and I have never broken the law and watched live content. Many in my generation have no interest in TV anymore.

It's worth appreciating that 'live broadcast' also includes media off the main networks, so if you watch a SpaceX livestream on YouTube (etc), technically you should have a TV License to do so.

I do find that infuriating.

That's not my understanding, unless that spacex livestream is by one of the TV networks.

"A licence is not required to view user generated content, clips and videos on YouTube. This includes live streamed content that is not part of a television broadcast. Or being broadcast at the same time by other means."

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ104

At least they most get high quality programs. Pitty the Germans with their expensive obligatory license, all to get a talking Brot 8 hours a night... - https://youtu.be/Rl_Rt0PNxn4

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