You have to buy a license to watch TV; don't know why these days, cos the license money is paid to the BBC which accounts for a fraction of all TV channels. You can also pay extra for Sky or cable TV. I'm the last person in Europe to just have the basic 5 channels
I have to admit, I could easily live without a tv as I much prefer reading however the OH is addicted. Hence we have sky+ (which I pay for may I add). I love the food channel though, I would miss it.