IN reply to Peter Johnston’s answer to my letter about the BBC, re-runs and the TV licence fee. I had wondered whether it would be possible to have a TV that would not receive BBC channels, thus allowing me to watch television without having to pay for a licence.

Peter, thank you for trying to answer my question, I just thought I would throw a few feelers out to try to attract TV manufacturers and maybe a few suggestions from them.

Unfortunately, I was in the dark regarding the law saying you have to have a licence.

I still believe, however, that the BBC should gain its money from advertising and not the public purse.

I have paid for a TV licence every year since it began, but it does not mean I can't moan about it and the increases we are forced to pay for the privilege of watching the repeats and old hat that’s on TV.

I still believe OFCOM should investigate the amount of repeats and rubbish being shown on TV.

I also reply to the person who wrote, "where would we be without the BBC?". Well, really, I wouldn't think it would be a lot different, but I would like to add that I have travelled to many countries and worked around the world. Some have bland TV, some brilliant, but I believe freedom of choice is a wonderful thing.

Bill Collison, Bolton Road, Kearsley