Re: happy to pay the license fee
The problem is that of universality, in the sense of appealing to everyone.
There are people who like soap operas, or dancing contests, and other things that some of us consider low-brow. Some might also say the same about Doctor Who.
But if those programmes aren't there, and what the BBC has is the "worthy" content found on BBC Four, and the ad-free kids material, isn't there a risk that there will be people who feel that there is nothing for them?
If that becomes the case, then you can't really argue for a universal licence fee, can you? If there is to be a fee paid by everyone, then I think there has to be programming for everyone too. For everyone that thinks East Enders is rubbish, there will be others who feel the same about The Sky At Night, or this week's Canal Trip.
There are, certainly, questions about whether formats should be acquired in the quest for ratings, rather than developed in house (The Voice vs Strictly). In the latter case, selling the format to others makes quite a lot of money.
The same question, though, might equally apply to other acquisitions, though. Should they pay to acquire the rights to show a decent film on Christmas Day, which might get ratings, or should they trot out Morecambe and Wise again, because it saves us money?
There aren't, I think, really simple answers to questions like this. I made some suggestions in the article - but I think the most important thing readers can do is think about it, and respond to the consultation.