Letter: Digital `poll tax'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: So the BBC plans to use the introduction of digital TV to increase its ransom.
Before ministers accept that an increase in this regressive form of taxation would be right, I ask them to ask a more fundamental question. That is how any broadcasting licence conforms with the clause of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that states that freedom of opinion and expression embraces the right to "receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers".
In Britain I am forbidden even from briefly watching an American TV channel through the Internet unless I have paid off the BBC. If the Government would put aside expediency and finance the BBC through the general taxation system or other means, freedom of communication would be restored.
JOHN PRATT
Centre for Citizenship
London SE23
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments