I neglected to discuss that bit in my previous post.
One could argue that the hypothetical situations in Red Dwarf provoke thought on relationships and our existence, but that's stretching it a might bit too far (and then somebody would bring up Monty Python...)
Entertainment is part of the BBC's remit too, and it tries to provide the best it can. People enjoy watching funny comedies (Red Dwarf) and gripping drama's etc. Whether or not it benefits society as opposed to them "going outside and playing in the park" type thing, is another question, though some argue there's a link between the unexciting saturday lineup on all channels and binge drinking...
The BBC is paid by licensees to provide quality entertainment. People pay the BBC to be entertained/informed, and if it fails them, there are a lot of people who do complain, and the BBC must listen and act if necessary. It's a kind of "by the people, for the people" thing.
As for the whole "What benefit does society, *as a whole*, gain that it wouldn't if TV didn't exist?", i can try to answer that with the children in need appeal and the Red nose day appeal.
Both are massive annual Charity fundraising "telethons" as it were. Without TV these would never exist on such a scale (£17,235,256 this year alone for children in need) and the benefits would never be used to help international crises (both are international charities funded almost solely by UK donations - they do work in the UK a lot, but also in many needy nations) |
