Introduction to Television in the UK
In the UK, there are many different television channels. Some channels are free to watch, while others require you to pay money for a subscription.
Popular Television Programmes
British television has a wide variety of programmes. Here are a few examples:
- Soap Operas: Some of the most popular shows are soap operas like Coronation Street and EastEnders.
- Regional Programming: In Scotland, there are special programmes just for Scotland. There are also channels that show programmes in the Gaelic language. In Wales, there is a channel for Welsh-language programmes. Northern Ireland has its own specific programmes as well, some of which are in Irish Gaelic.
Television Licence
To watch television in the UK, you must have a television licence. Here are the key points:
- Who Needs a Licence?: If you have a TV, computer, or any device that can show TV programmes, you need a licence.
- Cost: One licence covers all the TV equipment in one home, except if you rent rooms in a shared house. Each person in that situation must buy their own licence.
- Discounts: People over 75 can get a free TV licence, and blind people can receive a 50% discount.
- Fines: If you watch TV without a licence, you could be fined up to £1,000.
Funding for the BBC
The money collected from TV licences is used to pay for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). The BBC is the largest broadcaster in the world and is independent of government control. Other channels in the UK usually make money from advertisements and subscriptions.
Introduction to Radio in the UK
Just like television, there are many radio stations in the UK. Some stations are national and some are local to specific cities or regions.
Types of Radio Stations
- Music Stations: There are stations that play different types of music.
- Regional Language Stations: Some stations broadcast in regional languages, like Welsh or Gaelic.
BBC radio stations are also funded by TV licences, while other radio stations rely on advertisements.
Questions for Practice
Easy Level Questions
- What do you need to watch TV in the UK?
- A) A smartphone
- B) A television licence
- C) A computer
- D) A subscription
- Which of the following is a popular British soap opera?
- A) Friends
- B) Coronation Street
- C) The Simpsons
- D) Game of Thrones
- Do people over 75 need to pay for a TV licence?
- A) Yes
- B) No
- C) Only half
- D) Only if they want
- What language is used in some programmes in Scotland?
- A) French
- B) Gaelic
- C) Spanish
- D) Chinese
- How much can you be fined for watching TV without a licence?
- A) £500
- B) £1,000
- C) £200
- D) £750
- What does the BBC stand for?
- A) British Broadcasting Company
- B) British Broadcasting Corporation
- C) British Broadcasting Channel
- D) British Broadcasting Coalition
- What type of station would play classical music?
- A) News station
- B) Music station
- C) Sports station
- D) Talk show station
- How is the BBC funded?
- A) Advertisements
- B) Government funding
- C) TV licences
- D) Donations
- What is one of the main differences between BBC and other UK channels?
- A) BBC is funded by ads
- B) BBC is independent of government
- C) BBC only shows sports
- D) BBC is a private company
- How many TV licences does a shared house need?
- A) One
- B) Two
- C) Depends on the number of rooms
- D) None
Medium Level Questions
- Which channel would you watch for Welsh-language programmes?
- A) BBC One
- B) S4C
- C) ITV
- D) Channel 4
- What is the primary funding source for most UK television channels?
- A) Government taxes
- B) Subscriptions and advertisements
- C) Donations
- D) Lottery funds
- What happens if you watch TV without a licence?
- A) You get a warning
- B) You can go to jail
- C) You are fined
- D) Nothing happens
- Which of these is NOT a type of programme shown on British TV?
- A) Soap operas
- B) Reality shows
- C) Science documentaries
- D) Cooking classes
- Where is EastEnders set?
- A) Liverpool
- B) London
- C) Manchester
- D) Edinburgh
- What type of programmes does the BBC provide?
- A) Only news
- B) Only music
- C) Television and radio programmes
- D) Only sports
- How many licences does a family in a rented house need?
- A) One licence for everyone
- B) Two licences
- C) One licence for each rented room
- D) No licences needed
- What can blind people get regarding TV licences?
- A) A free licence
- B) No licence needed
- C) A 50% discount
- D) A full refund
- What language do some radio stations in Northern Ireland broadcast?
- A) French
- B) Welsh
- C) Irish Gaelic
- D) German
- Which organisation is the largest broadcaster in the world?
- A) ITV
- B) Sky
- C) BBC
- D) Channel 4
Hard Level Questions
- How does the BBC maintain its independence?
- A) By getting funding from ads
- B) By being state-funded but not controlled by the government
- C) By charging viewers directly
- D) By receiving donations from the public
- What type of programming is specifically catered for the Scottish audience?
- A) News
- B) Weather
- C) Scotland-specific programmes
- D) Travel
- What is the consequence of not having a TV licence while watching TV?
- A) You need to pay a subscription
- B) You can be taken to court
- C) You receive a fine
- D) You get a free licence
- Which channel provides programmes in Welsh?
- A) BBC One
- B) ITV
- C) S4C
- D) Sky
- Which of the following statements is true about the BBC?
- A) It is funded by advertisements.
- B) It is controlled by the government.
- C) It is the only state-funded broadcaster that is independent.
- D) It does not provide radio programmes.
- How often do people need to renew their TV licence?
- A) Annually
- B) Every two years
- C) Monthly
- D) Once, it’s for life
- What is one of the main purposes of TV licence fees?
- A) To pay for government officials
- B) To support the BBC and its programmes
- C) To fund private channels
- D) To pay for sports events
- What is a unique feature of radio stations in the UK?
- A) They only play music.
- B) They broadcast in various regional languages.
- C) They are all state-funded.
- D) They only provide news.
- What must you do if you change your address and you have a TV licence?
- A) Nothing, it’s still valid
- B) Inform the TV Licensing Authority
- C) Buy a new licence
- D) Cancel your licence
- What is the main difference between BBC radio stations and other radio stations?
- A) BBC stations only play classical music
- B) BBC stations are funded by TV licenses
- C) Other stations are free to air
- D) BBC stations are available only in London
Answers and Explanations
Easy Level Answers
- B) A television licence
- B) Coronation Street
- B) No
- B) Gaelic
- B) £1,000
- B) British Broadcasting Corporation
- B) Music station
- C) TV licences
- B) BBC is independent of government
- C) Depends on the number of rooms
Medium Level Answers
- B) S4C
- B) Subscriptions and advertisements
- C) You are fined
- D) Cooking classes
- B) London
- C) Television and radio programmes
- C) One licence for each rented room
- C) A 50% discount
- C) Irish Gaelic
- C) BBC
Hard Level Answers
- B) By being state-funded but not controlled by the government
- C) Scotland-specific programmes
- C) You receive a fine
- C) S4C
- C) It is the only state-funded broadcaster that is independent.
- A) Annually
- B) To support the BBC and its programmes
- B) They broadcast in various regional languages.
- B) Inform the TV Licensing Authority
- B) BBC stations are funded by TV licenses
