Yawn. It was only a matter of time before TV Licensing started to fill the newspapers with threats targeted at World Cup football fans.
The first England match of the tournament kicks off against Tunisia next Monday evening.
To coincide with that monumental occasion, TV Licensing's massed army of PR harlots, or deceit weavers as we also call them, have been out in force peddling scare stories about court appearances, £1,000 fines and criminal records.
Cody Want, TV Licensing shit gargler for the London & South East region, said: "Whether you're a seasoned England fan, experienced in the disappointments of being knocked out, or optimistic that a team of young hopefuls can finally deliver success, the competition is sure to bring some surprises.
"What is certain is that if you're watching games live on TV, live online, via a device such as a tablet, PC, games console or mobile phone, then you'll need a TV Licence. You'll also need a licence to watch any highlights on iPlayer."
Or not, as the case might be.
Remember that a TV licence is only needed if equipment is used to receive TV programmes at the same time as they are broadcast. Additionally, from 1st September 2016, a TV licence is needed to watch on-demand programmes via the BBC iPlayer.
Even so, there are several ways you can enjoy the best World Cup matches perfectly legally without a TV licence. Here are just a few:
1. Watch on-demand via a non-BBC service: You do not need a licence to enjoy previously broadcast non-live coverage on the ITV Hub or YouTube for example.
2. Watch live at a friend's place: If they've got a TV licence you could go and watch their telly instead. If you didn't want to impose you could take your laptop around and stream live TV via their broadband connection.
3. Watch live at the pub/club: If you're a cheapskate you can sip slowly on your half of tap water. That should make it last just enough time to watch the match.
4. Watch live at your local electrical retailer: Electrical retailers do not need a TV licence for their display sets. If you're a bit of a cheapskate you could visit Currys and watch the best events there.
5. Become a TV engineer: If you're a TV fixer upper then you do not need a TV licence to test equipment you're working on.
We don't condone anyone taking a chance by watching the World Cup without a valid TV licence. That said, we're so not bothered if anyone chooses to do just that!
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2 comments:
A bit drastic I know, but you could also get yourself locked up for the duration - prisoners of Her Majesty are covered by Crown Immunity and so don't need a licence.
Incidently, I notice that the BBC and FIFA have Youtube channels showing football highlights that you can watch legally without a licence.
There is a slight issue with number 5. Not all people use their tvs to watch live tv, as previously pointed out, some might only use them for games consoles and dvds and other non live veiwing, so using their tv and testing that it can receive live broadcasts, without a valid licence, would be a definite no-no.
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