Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to express my support for the BBC and the way it is funded.  I believe the £100 or so represents value for money and provides a service that is unrivalled for quality of content, independence and integrity.  Although digital services are not available to all a £50 one of fee for a set top box is pretty small fry especially when compared to a cup of coffee and a sandwich in most high streets or a pint of beer.

A PC capable of receiving BBC online services is available new for £350 - £400, second-hand for less than £100.  Alternatively  or available in all public libraries, schools and even McDonalds at a reasonable rate.

I believe that any fundamental changes to its funding would have a detrimental impact and hinder the spread of a truly digital UK, even if that mean for a short while a few people are paying towards service they do not receive.  

Some jewels in the crown include:

  a.. The BBC website including its news and sports service.  A very slick site, I see this as Britain's gift to the world, funded by us but acting as an ambassador for our nation an trustworthy impartial source.  If both major parties moan about bias then I believe they must be spot on! 
  b.. BBC Radio, Local and national via free view, cable or the internet. 
  c.. BBC3 - one of very few channels focused on new UK talent. 
  d.. CBBC / CEBBIES - the only quality children's programming available without subscription, free from commercials and pack full of quality educational content.
I cannot believe that I get so much more added value from a modest increase in the licence fee over the last few years.  I believe I have a service that is the envy of the world, at a very reasonable cost. 

The BBC provide a product that is so much better then any of the commercial channels, that just charge the earth for sport, import rubbish and make little or no original home grown content and spout the aims of their owners and sponsors.

Best regards,

Ian Jackson