[opendtv] Re: Let them eat cake (and ATSC while they're at it)
- From: "John Shutt" <shuttj@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 10:55:07 -0400
Craig,
Yes, I am certain. No, 100% of the fee does not subsidize Freeview
directly. But it does maintain the transmission structure. It also
subsidizes the 5 BBC video channels in the multiplex. I don't know if the
independent stations and the other offerings such as ABC 1 get a free ride
or if they pay for carriage. But the backbone of the system was built and
is maintained by those license fees.
I will gladly admit my error if I am proven wrong. (Wouldn't be the first
time, not by a long shot.)
Without the mandated license fees, then you would have to somehow tax
individuals for the construction and maintenance of this transmission
infrastructure that is currently done in the UK. By that definition, even
the UK model is not what you call a "properly designed DTV infrastructure"
since it is not self supporting any more than the U.S. Interstate system.
John
----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Birkmaier" <craig@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 10:37 AM
Subject: [opendtv] Re: Let them eat cake (and ATSC while they're at it)
> At 9:22 AM -0400 5/17/05, John Shutt wrote:
>>Craig,
>>
>>You're missing one aspect regarding the freeness of Freeview. It is
>>subsidized by the current 126.50 GBP ($232.47 USD at today's exchange
>>rate)
>>annual Colour TV License Fee.
>>
>
> Are you certain about this?
>
> Those fees "may" cover operation of the transmission infrastructure,
> but I doubt they cover the content. You need a license to receive the
> commercial OTA broadcasters in the UK as well, but they don't get any
> of those fees.
>
> Obviously this is irrelevant here. A properly designed DTV
> infrastructure should be self supporting, AND it should pay the
> government for the use of the spectrum, as is the case for OTHER
> private concerns using public spectrum resources.
>
> I do not support spectrum auctions or fixed spectrum user fees. I
> believe that the spectrum should be used to support an open
> marketplace, and that a portion of any proceeds above operating costs
> should go to retirement of the National debt.
>
> Radio and TV broadcasting in the U.S. generate nearly $50 billion in
> annual revenues, and this is only a fraction of what consumers spend
> for their total entertainment fixes, which add up to more than $300
> billion annually.
>
> It is said that corporations do not pay taxes...they simply collect
> them from consumers and pass them on to various levels of government.
>
> There is no such thing as FREE TV. The consumer winds up paying every
> penny; it's just difficult for consumers to understand where all of
> those pennies are coming from.
>
> Regards
> Craig
>
>
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