I support the BBC over TV licence changes

I disagree with some of the comments made in the Echo about BBC licences. I am strongly opposed to the suggestion that the BBC should have to “earn its own keep” because I value its independent and impartial approach, and its accountability to the viewing public.

This independence would be undermined if the BBC was required to raise its funds through advertising

As a public service broadcaster, the BBC has a mission to inform, educate and entertain across television, radio and online; this includes providing impartial news coverage, specialist education programming, and a range of original content that reflects all the UK’s nations and regions.

From 2018-19, the BBC was required to take on part of the responsibility for funding TV licence fees previously met fully by the government for those over 75. It is this change that has necessitated charging over-75s who could afford to pay, or cutting television and radio programmes and online services.

During lockdown the BBC played a central role in presenting daily press conferences, and continues to produce informative documentaries to educate the public about Covid19. I am an avid listener to Radio 4, and would have struggled to cope during the lockdown without its company. I do pay the over-75 licence fee, and am happy to do so, as long as those who cannot pay are exempt.

Like Mr Hutchinson, I do not support the payment of excessively high salaries, but this needs to be kept in perspective; a salary of £1.75m costs each licence payer about 4p per year.

The BBC helps to promote the UK around the world, being one of the top four most recognised British brands internationally, according to 2018 research. The BBC World Service is the world’s leading international broadcaster providing programmes and content in English and 27 other languages. This is important when the international reputation of the UK is not at its highest. Marianne Gilbert

Quorn