New TV Licensing Threatograms - The IN01O Series

Over the last few weeks TV Licensing has been distributing several new variants of threatogram to unlicensed properties.

The new missives all bear a reference code beginning with the characters IN01O, so we shall henceforth refer to them as the IN01O series of threatograms.

We are aware of threatograms bearing the following reference codes:

• IN01O0A1, IN01O0A2, IN01O0A3, IN01O0A4, IN01O0A5 - all of these variants have exactly the same text and formatting. These letters are printed in blue/green and an example is shown above.
• IN01OA1, IN01OA2 - both of these variants have exactly the same text and formatting. They are printed in red and an example is shown below.

There are likely to be other members of the IN01O series that we have not yet come across, so please let us know if you have one. Better still if you can scan and email us a suitably redacted copy.

These threatograms might be new, but the message from TV Licensing certainly isn't - your property is unlicensed, it is under investigation, if caught breaking the law you risk prosecution, stop this investigation now by buying a licence.

In common with all other TV Licensing threatograms, if you read carefully you'll say a generous splattering of the words "may" and "if" and very little of substance.

The IN01O series represents yet another TV Licensing kite flying exercise, in the desperate hope that recipients are intimidated into buying a TV licence irrespective of their legal need to do so.

We can only assume that TV Licensing's conspicuous use of IN01O reference codes is an attempt to give the new variant threatograms an artificial air of authority.

Remember that a legally-licence-free person is under no obligation at all to TV Licensing. Simply ignore their letters and keep the door firmly closed on any TV Licensing goon that calls.

Don't be one of the unfortunate innocent people who makes the mistake of trusting TV Licensing and ends up accused of an offence they haven't committed.

TV Licensing are complete and utter scum and cannot be trusted.

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

Edit (1/3/20): We have just become aware of an IN01N95A variant, which bears the same text and layout as IN01O0A1.

TV Licence Publicity Sparks Fresh Wave of BBC Social Media Misinformation

It would appear that one of the main priorities of the Government is to reform the future method of funding the BBC.

In its barely three month existence the Government has generated a lot of newspaper headlines in relation to its quest to radically overhaul and hold to account the ailing national broadcaster.

Sensing the impending Broadcasting House bloodbath, an increasing number of BBC managers and luvvies have gone into self-preservation mode. They spend their days proclaiming the exceptional value of the TV licence fee and irreplaceability of the BBC, a national treasure (or gravy train, depending on your perspective).

Social media is awash with faceless BBC employees trying desperately hard to sell the unique qualities of the Corporation and justify the anachronistic existence of the TV licence.

Unfortunately a lot of these insider titbits of information are complete and utter bollocks, as perfectly demonstrated by the comments of BBC journalist David Gregory-Kumar, aided and abetted by that bastion of BBC ignorance, radio presenter Jim Hawkins.

Gregory-Kumar, a BBC Midlands Today correspondent, told a fellow Twitter user @curious5875: "If you can prove to TV Licensing that you don't use BBC content you don't have to pay (the TV licence fee)."

He then went on to question @curious5875 about whether they were a consumer of BBC Radio or Online content, as if that would somehow justify their payment for a TV licence.

It is worrying that someone the public would perceive as having a degree of authority on the BBC, has such a fundamental misunderstanding of TV licence legislation.

Under the current outdated and unenforceable legislation a TV licence is required to receive TV programmes on any channel, not just those provided by the BBC. A TV licence is also required to receive BBC on-demand programmes via the iPlayer, but there is no legal requirement for a licence to listen to BBC Radio or browse BBC Online.

We would encourage everyone to be extremely cautious about apparently "expert" words of advice dispensed by BBC employees on social media.

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

Downing Street Plans to Abolish TV Licence

The Prime Minister intends to abolish the BBC TV licence fee, according to reports in the Sunday newspapers.

An unnamed (naturally) senior Downing Street source has told the Sunday Times that the Government intends a radical overhaul of the ailing national broadcaster, which will see dozens of TV and radio channels axed and the BBC's online presence drastically reduced.

"We are not bluffing on the licence fee. We are having a consolation and we will whack it. It has to be a subscription model", the Downing Street insider said.

"They've got hundreds of radio stations, they've got all these TV stations and a massive website. The whole things needs massive pruning back.

"They should have a few TV stations, a couple of radio stations and massively curtailed online presence and put more money into the World Service, which is part of its core job."

It is no secret that the incumbent Government has justifiable concerns about the way the BBC is managed.

Under current arrangements the BBC is funded exclusively by the TV licence fee, which rakes in around £3.8 bn a year. That annual cash injection is guaranteed irrespective of how woeful the BBC's content, sordid its scandal or nauseating its profligacy.

The legislation requires that every property where equipment is used to receive TV programmes, or BBC on-demand programmes, is covered by a valid TV licence, which currently costs £154.50 per year. The legislation - an anachronism of a bygone era when the BBC was the only broadcaster - applies to receiving TV programmes on any channel, which means non-BBC viewers are forced to line its coffers regardless. Anyone caught receiving TV programmes without a valid TV licence can be prosecuted by the BBC in the criminal courts.

The Prime Minister is currently jockeying his troops to give the BBC an almighty slapping, with the recent installation of ministers Oliver Dowden and John Whittingdale at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Less than a fortnight ago the Government launched a second consultation in less than five years on the future method of funding of the BBC. In particular, the review is seeking to gauge public opinion on the decriminalisation of TV licence evasion and invites alternative suggestions for methods of enforcement. The Government could, if so minded, remove criminal sanctions by 2022.

Here at the TV Licensing Blog we fully favour the BBC being funded by a subscription model. If the BBC is as good as it pretends to be, then it should have nothing to fear as consumers will be queuing around the block to pay for its content. The increased competition will also force the BBC to increase the quality of its output and decrease its vast amounts of internal waste. If the BBC can't step up the the plate and live on its own commercial merits, then it deserves to die in the same manner as any other twenty-first century broadcaster - slowly and painfully.

Make no mistake that the Government is wanting to hold the BBC to account more than ever before. The BBC is undoubtedly squirming at the prospect of having to up its game and work for a living.

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

Kill the TV Licence

A letter published in The Scotsman newspaper today:

=====

It is almost fifty years since the radio licence was scrapped as uneconomical and unenforceable. The scrapping of the TV licence part funding the BBC is long overdue. If the licence fee was unenforceable in an era of largely fictitious detector vans, the millions today claiming they only watch "catch-up" TV rather than "live" (a loophole deliberately put into the law to allow the wily cosmopolitan classes to avoid payment whilst the mug proles pay up) renders the current system a farce.

Toothless TV Licensing enforcement officers - with no legal right to enter property to prove that an unlicensed TV exists - are employed at great expense (and occasionally sued successfully for "trespass) to take over 10,000 (sic) annually to court - a quarter of all magistrates' cases in the UK - which they have no chance of winning unless the defendant (usually from a vulnerable group such as the elderly or mentally ill) is intimidated enough to plead guilty.

If general taxation is good enough for funding state radio, it's good enough for state TV earning millions selling high quality shows across the globe.

- Mark Boyle, Linn Park Gardens, Johnstone, Renfrewshire.

=====

In 2018 almost 130,000 individuals were prosecuted for TV licence evasion, which far exceeds the 10,000 mentioned in the body of the letter.

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

Endeavour Returns for Series 7

ITV crime drama Endeavour, the prequel to the much loved series Inspector Morse, returns to the airwaves tonight.

Apologies to readers for this slight deviation from normal service, but I don't see any harm in promoting a quality ITV drama that rivals the BBC.

The latest series of critically-acclaimed drama, which is produced by leading drama indie Mammoth Screen - part of ITV Studios - in partnership with Masterpiece, will consist of three, brand new interconnecting feature-length films. Each film has once again been written by Russell Lewis who has penned all 27 Endeavour screenplays to date.

Shaun Evans reprises his role as DS Endeavour Morse, alongside Roger Allam as DCI Fred Thursday, for a new set of compelling cases. Following the success of his directorial debut on the drama during series six, Shaun Evans has also directed the first film of the new series.

In addition, Anton Lesser (Game Of Thrones) returns as CS Reginald Bright, Sean Rigby (Gunpowder) as DS Jim Strange, James Bradshaw (Close To The Enemy) as Dr Max DeBryn, Abigail Thaw (I Want My Wife Back) as Dorothea Frazil and Caroline O'Neill (Last Tango In Halifax) as Win Thursday.

The new trilogy of films mark Endeavour and his colleagues entering a new decade and era of change. Opening on New Year's Eve 1969, normal order has been resumed and the team reunited at Castle Gate CID, with Chief Superintendent Bright back in charge. However, the events of the past year have left their mark, and the new series will see old friendships challenged and new relationships blossom.

In the dawn of women's liberation, social progression and scientific growth, the 1970s begin for Oxford’s finest with the discovery of a body at the canal towpath on New Year's Day. With the only clue in the investigation a witness who heard whistling on the night of the crime, the team have their work cut out to uncover their culprit.

With a strong, overarching plot connecting the three films, the seventh series will test Endeavour's moral compass to breaking point, both personally and professionally.

Writer Russell Lewis commented: "The prospect of Colin Dexter’s immortal creation entering a new decade is hugely exciting for all of #TeamEndeavour. We're always looking to break new ground, and go places we haven’t been before - both physically and emotionally. The narrative design of this series gives us the opportunity to deliver a particularly distinctive story shape. Though each film can be enjoyed as a standalone - we have approached Endeavour 1970 as three panels of a triptych, or - in musical terms - a grand opera that unfolds across three acts. Whether it wears the mask of comedy or tragedy remains to be seen..."

The first feature-length film of Endeavour series 7, "Oracle", can be seen on ITV tonight at 8 pm.

You can pre-order Endeavour series 7 on Amazon (aff. link).

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

TV Licensing Sourcing of Third-Party Data

A couple of years ago we asked the BBC to provide information about third-party data sources used by TV Licensing.

The BBC told us that TV Licensing used the commercially available Royal Mail Postcode Address File (PAF) to identify newly built and demolished properties and a company called Acxiom to identify the occupiers of unlicensed properties.

Entirely by coincidence we recently discovered that TV Licensing now sources third-party data from GBG, Experian, Equifax and REaD Group.

Using the Freedom of Information Act 2000, we asked the BBC to provide a description of the third-party data provided by each of these companies. In response, the BBC told us the following:

GBG:

This company provides landline telephone numbers, which are sourced from BT. TV Licensing uses this information to contact licence-holders on expiry of their TV licences.

Experian:

This company operates a product called MOSAIC, which is used to segment customers (e.g. put them into targeted groups) on the TV Licensing database. It can be used to monitor customer behaviour at household and postcode level.

Equifax:

This company provides an indication that the occupier of a No Licence Needed (NLN) property has moved in the previous 3 months. TV Licensing will then contact the present occupier of the NLN property to confirm its licensable status.

REaD Group:

This company provides an indication that the occupier of a No Licence Needed (NLN) property has moved in the previous 3 months. TV Licensing will then contact the present occupier of the NLN property to confirm its licensable status.

This company provides an indication that a property is occupied or unoccupied.

We also sought copies of any contracts between the BBC and these companies in relation to their work for TV Licensing, but that part of our request was refused.

You can view the full text of our request and the BBC's subsequent response on the WhatDoTheyKnow website.

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

Government Launches Second TV Licence Consultation in Five Years

The Government has launched a second public consultation on the future of the TV licence fee.

The consultation, which explores whether TV licence fee evasion should be decriminalised, was unveiled this morning by the Culture Secretary, Baroness Morgan of Cotes.

Under current legislation it is a criminal offence for a person to receive TV programmes (or BBC on-demand programmes) in any property that is not covered by a valid TV licence. In theory the maximum penalty for anyone convicted of the offence is £1,000, but in reality the fine is often much smaller.

Every year hundreds of thousands of people are put before the courts accused of TV licence evasion, often on the flimsiest of evidence and sometimes on the basis of no evidence at all. Even with the advent of the Single Justice Procedure, the relentless churn of TV licence cases places a considerable burden on valuable court time and resources.

The current legislation is ill-conceived, unfair and unenforceable. It is loathed by members of the public and judiciary alike, with the Magistrates' Association having campaigned for years for the decriminalisation of TV licence fee evasion.

Speaking at Policy Exchange on the future of UK media and broadcasting, Baroness Morgan said: "The BBC's role is not just to meet the demands of today, but to be ready to meet those of the future.

"And as we move into an increasingly digital age, where there are more and more channels to watch and platforms to choose from, it is clear that many people consider it an anachronism that you can be imprisoned effectively for not paying for your TV licence.

"Criminal penalties are an important part of the justice system.

"However, in a just and democratic society it is essential that these penalties are appropriate and are perceived as a fair punishment for the crime committed."

Acknowledging that only five years had passed since David Perry QC conducted an earlier review into TV Licence Enforcement, Baroness Morgan said that recent changes to the over-75 TV licence meant that a generation of pensioners would now be liable for criminal prosecution if they failed to buy a TV licence.

She also highlighted the rapidly evolving media landscape, in particular the sharp increase in non-linear viewing habits and move away from conventional television services.

"There remain legitimate concerns that the criminal sanction for TV licence fee evasion is unfair and disproportionate", Baroness Morgan added.

"So we believe that it is right to look again at whether the criminal sanction is still appropriate."

The eight-week consultation is seeking opinions on whether TV licence fee evasion should be decriminalised. It is estimated that the BBC would lose up to £200m in licence fee revenue, should decriminalisation go ahead. The consultation is also seeking views on how this funding gap could be plugged.

Baroness Morgan indicated that decriminalisation could happen as soon as 2022, with further (hopefully more radical) reforms of the TV licence fee possible at the end of the BBC's current Royal Charter on 31st December 2027.

In closing we should also remind readers that Baroness Morgan is only a temporary incumbent as Culture Secretary. It is widely expected that the Prime Minister will appoint a BBC-critical replacement at the next Cabinet reshuffle.

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

BBC Announces TV Licence Price Hike

The BBC has announced that the TV licence fee will increase in line with the rate of inflation from 1st April 2020.

The fee, which is set to rise from £154.50 to £157.50, is set by the Government. The Government agreed to the increases when the BBC's Royal Charter was renewed on 1st January 2017, but the national broadcaster has reneged on its side of the bargain by tightening up the eligibility criteria for the over-75 TV licence.

The cost of an annual black and white TV licence will increase from £52 to £53.

A TV licence is required for any property where equipment is used or installed to receive TV programmes at the time they are shown. Additionally, from 1st September 2016, a TV licence is required to watch on-demand programmes via the BBC iPlayer.

The BBC, as statutory Licensing Authority, is responsible for all aspect of administering, collecting and enforcing the TV licence fee. It performs this function under the name of TV Licensing.

The £4bn raised by the fee is used exclusively to fund the BBC, so it's hardly surprising that the BBC extols the popularity and value of this despised regressive tax.

A press release on the BBC website says: "The new licence fee amount equates to just £3.02 a week or £13.13 a month, for which the BBC provides nine national TV channels plus regional programming; 10 national radio stations, 40 local radio stations plus dedicated Nations radio services; one of the UK's most popular websites; the radio app BBC Sounds; and BBC iPlayer. In the last financial year 95% of the BBC's controllable spend went on content for audiences and delivery, with just 5% spent on running the organisation.

"Hit programmes last year included 18.5 million tuning in for the Christmas return of Gavin & Stacey, whilst an audience of 28.1 million watched the BBC's coverage of the 2019 Women’s World Cup. There were a record 4.4 billion programme requests on BBC iPlayer, and the BBC's election coverage culminated in 23 million people watching the results programme, 39 million visits to our news website the following day, and 100 million for BBC online overall that week. Other popular shows included Line of Duty, Fleabag, Luther, Strictly Come Dancing, Dr Who, EastEnders, Seven Worlds One Planet, Match of the Day and coverage of Wimbledon."

The price hike coincides with the removal of the over-75 TV licence concession from 3.7 million pensioner households. In a recent opinion poll more than three quarters of over-75s said they would be prepared to boycott the fee when the new eligibility rules come into force on 1st June 2020.

The new Government has made no secret of the fact it is seeking to radically reform the way the BBC is funded.

The culture secretary, Baroness Morgan of Cotes, will give a speech on Wednesday on the future of media and broadcasting, in which she is expected to launch a consultation on whether to decriminalise non-payment of the licence fee.

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

TV Licensing Six Nations Rugby Campaign

It's that time of year again, when TV Licensing's massed army of talentless, copy-paste PR harlots regurgitate the same old shite about ending up in the sin bin if you dare to watch the Six Nations Rugby without a valid TV licence.

A TV licence is required for any property where equipment is used or installed to receive TV programmes at the time they are shown. Additionally, from 1st September 2016, a TV licence is required to watch on-demand programmes via the BBC iPlayer.

Businesses choosing to show TV programmes to customers require a TV licence covering the public area of the premises. A second TV licence would be required to cover anyone viewing in a residential area of the same premises.

In a press release adapted for the Bradford Telegraph and Argus, TV Licensing PR harlot Tim Downs said: "The Six Nations is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, with many fans choosing to catch the live action at a local pub with friends.

"The majority of pubs are correctly licensed to show live sport for their customers and we’ll be dropping in on establishments that we know are not, so our advice to landlords is to check whether they’re covered rather than being risk caught red-handed.”

Steven Alton, Chief Operating Officer of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), said: "Watching sport in the pub is a great British tradition, and we are sure the Six Nations will prove no different. However, together with TV Licensing, we always like to remind licensees that they must have a current TV licence in order to publicly show live sport legally."

Remember that a TV licence is only needed if equipment is used to receive TV programmes at the same time as they are broadcast. There are many ways you can enjoy the Six Nations perfectly legally without a TV licence.

Here are just a few:

1. Watch it non-live on a catch up service. Remember that a TV licence is now required if you choose to watch on-demand via the BBC iPlayer.

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: I'm reliably informed by student friends that you can nurture a soft drink for at least two hours if you sip it slowly. That's just enough time to watch the game.

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 Six Nations without a valid TV licence. That said, we're so not bothered if anyone chooses to do just that!

The 2020 Six Nations schedule is as follows:

Round 1:
Wales vs. Italy, 1st February 2020, 2.15 pm.
Ireland vs. Scotland, 1st February 2020, 4.45 pm.
England vs. France, 2nd February 2020, 3 pm.

Round 2:
Ireland vs. Wales, 8th February 2020, 2.15 pm.
Scotland vs. England, 8th February 2020, 4.45 pm.
France vs. Italy, 9th February 2020, 3 pm.

Round 3:
Italy vs. Scotland, 22nd February 2020, 2.15 pm.
Wales vs. France, 22nd February 2020, 4.45 pm.
England vs. Ireland, 23rd February 2020, 3 pm.

Round 4:
Ireland vs. Italy, 7th March 2020, 2.15 pm.
England vs. Wales, 7th March 2020, 4.45 pm.
Scotland vs. France, 8th March 2020, 3 pm.

Round 5:
Wales vs. Scotland, 14th March 2020, 2.15 pm.
Italy vs. England, 14th March 2020, 2.15 pm.
France vs. Ireland, 14th March 2020, 8 pm.

If you've found this article useful please consider liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.