I think there is a valuable role for a nationally provided broadcasting
service.  The BBC should provide instruction and entertainment for all, not
just for commercially viable audiences.  One outstanding aspect of BBC
service is its website, which is one of the best in the world.  Another is
its role in education, producing very high quality programmes for all ages
and over the school curriculum, all of which are free to the user at
present.  The BBC is also one of the very few national level organisations
which promotes language learning - it is possible to learn a language just
through BBC language services, with the French/Spanish/Italian Steps
providing first class self teaching courses.  I cannot believe that a more
commercialised station would be able to provide any of these services, which
must be highly subsidised.

Finally, I would much prefer to continue to pay a licence fee to keep a
couple of channels free of irritating program breaks and profit driven
advertising.

Thank you.

Sally Price (Mrs)