Free Republic

They are generally regarded as historic relics and part of a bygone era of broadcasting history. But even in today’s digital age, there are 11,550 households in the country still watching black and white television, official figures reveal. The number of black and white licenses have dropped dramatically in recent years and the total has decreased by a further 12 percent over the past year. […] The cost of a black and white TV license remains frozen at £49 ($80.37) until the BBC Charter Review in 2016. A color license costs £145.50 ($238.65). …

Reporting from Sacramento -- That 52-inch, flat-screen television on the family room wall may have a terrific picture, but there's a big drawback: It's an energy hog. State regulators are getting ready to curb the growing power gluttony of TV sets by drafting the nation's first rules requiring retailers to sell only the most energy-efficient models, starting in 2011.

Last Updated: Saturday, 27 December, 2003, 16:28 GMT 'Half-price TV licences for poor'Forty women a year on average are jailed for licence evasion Half-price television licences should be given to the poorest households, an influential think-tank has urged. The Institute for Public Policy Research wants concessions offered to cut fee evasion and the number of single parents jailed for non-payment. Last year, 398,000 households were caught without the £116-a-year television licence An average of 40 women a year - the majority single parents on income support - are jailed for non-payment. The IPPR said on Saturday that single parents on...

<p>From bullets to Bordeaux, plans aim to get voters to tax others' proclivities.</p> <p>SACRAMENTO - That glass of merlot would cost you an extra nickel. Plinking with a .22 would be about 50 cents more per magazine than it is today. Smokers? You might want to budget another 65 cents per pack.</p>