WE are told the BBC is looking for an increase in the licence fee equal to around two per cent above inflation for the next seven years, mainly to pay for the change from analogue to digital TV.

Not only will they insist on an increase in the licence fee, it's going to cost householders more money just to change their own equipment on to that system.

I heard one of their representatives state, quite arrogantly, that the public has until 2012 to get used to this - well, they have known for a number of years that this was to happen and over the years, should have budgeted accordingly.

They shouldn't be short of cash, there's not a great deal of new stuff on the BBC - in fact they have more repeats than we get from a pound of onions!

It is time the BBC either became self-sufficient or got out of the ball-park. Who would miss it? After a while we'd all get used to just watching other channels.

The BBC has acted like a spoilt child demanding more and more. It's time to say "enough". Act like a grown up and look after yourself.

The programmes that are supposed to have entertainment value leave a lot to be desired, especially when they're on their umpteenth time around. The daytime programmes are appalling.

Quite a number of evening programmes are repeats, but not just once - over and over again.

For most people nowadays, TV isn't a luxury. For some people it's necessary to keep them in touch with what's going on outside the home, so there is no alternative but to pay a licence fee.

Why does the BBC feel they have the right to charge that fee?

Other companies go under - so can they.

Janet S Kitchen,

Ashley Park Road,

York.

Updated: 09:23 Thursday, October 13, 2005