I do have to agree with flops about the quality of their work. The BBC creates some of the best Doco's in the world. Both myself & my ex have a large selection, both for interest & for educating my son (who is dyslexic) They are expensive to buy but are one thing that I really think are worth the cost.
Their mini-series are generally top notch also & their drama's & comedies are generally of excellent quality writing, acting & production. & no they aren't all 'my kinda thing' but they do have a huge & varied market to cater to.
If NZ on Air had been using my money to create programes of that quality I would've been happy to pay the fee for my TV, back when I could recieve it that is. The add free broadcast would've been nice as well but NZ on Air never managed that.