TV fee a big turn off for the lonely

■ THE BBC is renowned worldwide for its high-quality news service and dramas, but when you think how people in this country are struggling just to survive, including many pensioners, the TV licence is another expense they can ill afford.

The BBC would be making a serious mistake if it was to meanstest the licence for the over-75s (Mirror, October 18). If they are so desperate to save money, I suggest they cut the exorbitant wages they pay presenters and the top brass.

I, for one, would hate to lose the BBC, but if it goes ahead with these plans they would be shooting themselves in the foot.

Phil Tucker, Portsmouth

■ Once again, we read the BBC is planning to pickpocket pensioners’ free TV licences. You have to wonder how many other countries have no TV licence, while the Republic of Ireland lets pensioners over 70 have a free licence, plus free phone line rental and cheap electricity.

So why is the BBC licence so expensive? It’s not because of sport because there is hardly any on. Where does all the money go? What angers the “grey army” more than anything is that other countries manage their pensioners’ needs far better than Britain. And without a TV many of our elderly would be isolated.

S Vaughan Birmingham

■ In response to your article on possible plans to axe the free TV licence for the over-75s, the BBC wastes so much money. For example, there are too many sports pundits where one would be enough.

Also, they send celebrities around the world with camera crews and there are far too many cooking programmes. The BBC should get rid of the licence altogether and take adverts like ITV. The public don’t have bottomless pockets. J Cox, Wordsley, West Mids

■ The BBC could at least plan to cut 50% off TV licences, rather than expect the over-75s to pay full. Half price until they reach 80, then make it free – they would still save. Many OAPs are only living on their state pensions and have no other income. Clare Hartley, North London

■ I think most viewers would rather have no adverts on telly, but they have come to accept it. So, what is the problem with the BBC carrying advertising for their revenue? The BBC gets its money far too easily – it’s time they earned it. DA Cudworth, Llanelli Carmarthenshire

■ If the BBC didn’t pay ridiculous sums of money to “armchair experts” we might be able to get better programmes and have golf and cricket back on our screens instead of having to watch highlights when we already know the results.

The BBC is too top-heavy – it doesn’t need a three or four-person team when one or two would suffice. The public deserves a better service for the TV licence fee. Fred Stones, Barnsley South Yorks

■ What is it with the BBC and the TV licence? It should move into the 21st century, scrap the licence altogether and go commercial like ITV. Admittedly, adverts can be a nuisance, but they make a lot of money for TV companies. David Marsden Bridlington, East Yorks