Abolishing TV Licenses

There are only four countries in Asia that require television licenses ― South Korea, Israel, Pakistan and Japan. In South Korea, people are charged 2,500 won every month by the Korea Electric Power Corporation for them to be able to watch shows from Korean Broadcasting System and Educational Broadcasting System.

Since the license fee is different from the monthly subscription charges for cable TV, some say that Koreans and people from other countries that require TV licenses pay too much just to use their TVs. They are calling for the abolishment of TV licenses.

Those who agree to the abolishment say that funding of public TV channels should come from product advertisements and not from the people. Just like private TV channels, commercials and other forms of promotion through the media should be the means of getting income.

Supporters also say that public TV channels are supposed to be under the government so their services should be covered by taxpayers’ money. Just like healthcare, education and road restoration, the government should also allot money for public TV channels as they bring pertinent information and entertainment to people.

Lastly, TV licenses do not coincide with advancements in technology. There are now satellites and digital devices that allow people to watch any show whenever and wherever they want. Charging people monthly fees just so they can watch TV shows from public channels is no longer necessary in the 21st century.

Those who disagree say that TV licenses only ask for minimal amounts and the money collected goes to the improvement of public TV channels. The license fee is collected for the purpose of funding public broadcasting, and only uses funding from radio and television advertisements as supplements.

They also say that TV licenses are not mandatory. Those who do not own TVs or do not wish to be part of the services provided by public TV channels can just inform the collecting company and they won’t be charge of monthly fees.

Opponents of the abolishment believe that if TV licenses will be stopped, the quality of shows produced by public TV channels will degrade. It is hard enough for these public channels to compete with bigger broadcasting companies and taking TV licenses away will only make matters worse.

Watching TV is one of the common pastime activities done by people. Being able to comfortably watch TV and being offered good quality shows are important for many so the abolishment of the TV license must be taken into careful consideration