TV licence moan

Another US channel available: On the Virgin Media service in this home, besides also getting CNN, CNBC, Fox News, I'm getting the "E!" entertainment channel from the US, which had the Emmy award coverage.

More random American shows around the UK channels: On Paramount Comedy 1 they air Sex and the City every night, and on this or the other Paramount Comedy reruns of Frasier.

I've got SKY, and we get CNN International, and Fox News, and CNBC.  That's about it as far as I know for American channels, but even on the UK channels, there's no shortage of American shows.  The Daily Show is on More4, ABC Wrold News Tonight is shown on BBC News, CBS Nightly News is on SKY news, Jay Leno on CNBC, and the main stations show the staples like CSI, House, Ugly Betty and so on.  One of the channels we get even shows old episodes of US soaps!

Jay Leno is on CNBC?  Interesting.  How about Conan?  I'd much rather watch his show.  And Keith Olbermann.  Why oh why does Sky have to carry CNBC and Fox News (gag! ) instead of MSNBC?  I miss watching Countdown and would love to see Rachael Maddow's show. Oh and don't forget Stephen Colbert on FX.

I'm totally hooked on all the Frasier reruns on Paramount Comedy 1!

I don't like the exposure to US TV in the UK, especially the news.
 
We don't get British movies in the US. Why?

I don't like the exposure to US TV in the UK, especially the news.
 

Why don't you like it?

We don't get British movies in the US. Why?

Really?  My Mom watches a LOT of UK tv and movies. 

Why don't you like it?

Can't answer for Jim, but the dominance of American TV abroad can be seen as part of its 'cultural imperialism'. I find it a bit annoying that it seems the channels here aren't making as many good shows because they can fill up air time with American shows. It's a shame, because often the British shows are at least as good- example, Coupling (early 2000s BBC sitcom) was funnier and more clever than Friends could ever dream of, yet it is much easier to find British people who have seen all of Friends but never even heard of Coupling!

Can't answer for Jim, but the dominance of American TV abroad can be seen as part of its 'cultural imperialism'. I find it a bit annoying that it seems the channels here aren't making as many good shows because they can fill up air time with American shows. It's a shame, because often the British shows are at least as good- example, Coupling (early 2000s BBC sitcom) was funnier and more clever than Friends could ever dream of, yet it is much easier to find British people who have seen all of Friends but never even heard of Coupling!

That's reasonable and in fact I agree.  I was just wondering why Jim thinks that since he lives in the US.

I agree to a certain extent that it is easier for UK channels to buy-in Us programming than to make their own stuff, but I also have to say that my all time favourite TV shows have been American, and both from HBO actually. I think The Sopranos comes first and then Six Feet Under, (it's a close thing). Now I am keeping an eye on ex-Six Feet Under Fisher family members "David" (Dexter) and "Nate" (Dirty Sexy Money).

UK TV shows and movies can be found in abundance if you subscribe to Netflix or shop Amazon.  You just have to know what to look for or be willing to try new things.  ("Look Around You" was a miss for me, but it must be hilarious for people who went through it) 

First time I watched "Little Britain", I was stone faced except for the Russian baby-sitter sketch.  It stuck in my head though, and the next time I tried it, I found it HI-larious. 

I can't imagine the masses in the US responding to the differences in the dialects/cultural references in the UK.  Many times, I use subtitles and google in order to be able to comprehend exactly what it being said/referenced. 

My friend is very interested in all things British - but when we watched "World of Pub" she got really frustrated because she couldn't make it past the thick Cockney accents. 

Oh how do I miss my DVD collection right now....

the thick Cockney accents. 

I strongly suggest you don't call them that when any "limeys" are in earshot! ("Thick" means "stupid" in the UK)

Now this proposal from Ofcon (excuse me, I meant Ofcom......):

Shoppers buying televisions, DVDs, CDs and MP3 players could be hit with a new tax to pay for documentaries and current affairs programmes on commercial TV.

The proposal is one of several reforms from Ofcom which would revolutionise how we pay for television.

It comes as the watchdog seeks to plug a predicted £235million hole in funding for public service broadcasting on non-BBC channels by 2012.

Continues:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1061520/Could-tax-TVs-pay-highbrow-shows-commercial-channels.html

I know I've stuck up for the licence fee before, but a tax on mp3 players to pay for ITV documentaries is really taking the p*ss.

I strongly suggest you don't call them that when any "limeys" are in earshot! ("Thick" means "stupid" in the UK)

I know that 'thick' can be used to mean 'stupid', but can it not also mean 'thick' as in "Cut me a thick slice of cheese, I'm starving".  My limey parents seem to understand that I'm not asking for a stupid slice of cheese.   

So, is there a better way to say 'thick' in this context? 

I know that 'thick' can be used to mean 'stupid', but can it not also mean 'thick' as in "Cut me a thick slice of cheese, I'm starving".  My limey parents seem to understand that I'm not asking for a stupid slice of cheese.   

So, is there a better way to say 'thick' in this context? 

I am surprised if you don't understand that a "thick cockney accent" could be taken to mean "The accent of a thick cockney"? That is my point. "Strong" or "broad" can be applied to accents which although heavy are still understood (mostly) by the listener, while "impenetrable" could apply to one which a listener finds impossible to decipher.

In class-ridden Britain, many (not all) people who speak with accents that place them geographically or classwise do not like to hear the fact commented upon.

I do get the way that "thick" could be understood to be a insult.  What I don't get is, why think I'm saying the cockney accent is stupid in the context of the sentence that I typed.

I get your point, though, that people can be sensitive to what they percieve as slights and insults and it is best to choose words carefully.

Yesterday in the park, some gentleman strong-armed a cyclist that got too close to him.   He could have just stepped aside, but chose to confront the situation instead.  Unfortunately, the cyclist almost ran a couple of older ladies over in the process.  Dude wanted a fight and he made sure he got one.



 

Mindy,
Superl99, gave the answer I would have given or close to it.
I'm glad your mother can catch British TV. I'm limited to a few old comedies and BBC News overseas service.
As you know the US networks have picked up the option to copy, what seems to me, a lot of British productions.
Jim
PS I just realised that your mother probably has access to "BBC America" so that would make a big difference.