The BBC chases chimerical audiences while alienating loyal viewers
SIR – The BBC licence fee is to be reintroduced for over-75s (report, July 10) and we seriously wonder about value for money.
We don’t enjoy Scandi noir, or quiz games, have seen enough competitive dancing, skating and cookery, and regret the loss of experts on nature programmes in favour of campaigners and on history programmes in favour of yoof. We prefer Lord Reith’s recipe for both informing viewers and offering them the best – whether in science, drama or the arts.
The BBC’s determination to cater for the tastes of those who don’t watch it is infuriating.
Lavender Buckland Iwerne Minster, Dorset
SIR – Perhaps, rather than bringing back the licence fee for over-75s, the BBC should look at how many of its broadcasters are paid more than £100,000 and consider whether this is money well spent.
Alan Bristow Little Neston, Cheshire
SIR – At the age of 92 I am due to lose my free television licence.
I believe it will cost me some £3 per week. That is a price that I am happy to pay to avoid the mindless advertising that is inflicted on us on the other channels. Long live the BBC.
John Morrell Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire
SIR – BBC radio services are widely considered the finest in the world. I would be prepared to resume payment of my licence fee for these alone.
Barry Bond Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
SIR – Maybe the BBC could compromise and allow those currently over 75 to keep their free licences. It seems wrong to take away something that has already been given. Rosemary Hartley
Broadstairs, Kent
SIR – It is unfair to heap all the acrimony over the licence fee on the BBC. What has happened was that one government introduced a range of freebies for pensioners without considering whether they were sustainable.
A later government revoked or reduced some of these and offloaded the consequences on to others without making alternative provision. The concessionary fares scheme is another example.
Mike Keatinge Sherborne, Dorset
SIR – The BBC appears less keen to refund licences that have been paid for but are no longer required.
Having recently moved with 10 months still on my licence to somewhere that already has its own licence, I applied for a refund. While I have settled all accounts with the council and utilities, including cases where they owed me a refund, the BBC remains silent. Maybe I am meant to feel honoured that I continue to pay Gary Lineker’s exorbitant salary.
Paul Hearn Lambourn, Berkshire