History of BBC in Timeline
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public-service broadcaster headquartered in London. Established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it became the BBC in 1927. It is the oldest and largest broadcaster globally, employing over 21,000 staff, with approximately 17,200 in public-sector broadcasting.
June 1920: First live public broadcast
In June 1920, Britain's first live public broadcast was made from the factory of Marconi Company in Chelmsford, featuring Dame Nellie Melba.
October 1922: Formation of British Broadcasting Company Ltd
On October 18, 1922, the British Broadcasting Company Ltd was formed as a company jointly owned by a consortium of wireless receiver manufacturers.
December 1922: Appointment of John Reith as general manager
In December 1922, John Reith was appointed as the general manager of the British Broadcasting Company Ltd.
1922: Formation of the BBC
In 1922, the BBC was formed and played a prominent role in British life and culture.
1922: Establishment of the British Broadcasting Company
In 1922, the British Broadcasting Company was originally established, marking the beginning of the BBC's history.
September 1923: Launch of Radio Times magazine
In September 1923, the Radio Times, the world's first and longest-running radio and television listings magazine, was launched by Reith and quickly sold out its run of a quarter of a million copies.
September 1923: First Publication of Radio Times
On September 28, 1923, the BBC first published the Radio Times, which became the world's first broadcast listings magazine.
1923: Launch of Radio Times
In 1923, the BBC launched Radio Times, the first broadcast listings magazine.
1925: Crawford Committee recommendation
In 1925, the Crawford Committee's recommendation to replace the British Broadcasting Company with the British Broadcasting Corporation was followed by the Government's acceptance
1925: Broadcasting future under consideration
In mid-1925, the future of broadcasting was under consideration by the Crawford committee.
1926: United Kingdom general strike
In May 1926, the United Kingdom general strike broke out, interrupting newspaper production and making the BBC the primary source of news.
January 1927: Establishment of the British Broadcasting Corporation
On January 1, 1927, the British Broadcasting Corporation came into existence, and John Reith was appointed its first director general.
1927: BBC started broadcasting Wimbledon on radio
In 1927, the BBC started broadcasting Wimbledon on the radio, marking the beginning of the longest-running partnership in sports broadcasting history.
1927: BBC Takes Over the Proms
In 1927, the BBC took over the production of the BBC Proms, an eight-week summer classical music festival, after Chappell and Co withdrew their support.
1927: Evolution into British Broadcasting Corporation
On New Year's Day 1927, the British Broadcasting Company evolved into its current state with the name British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
March 1928: Stanley Baldwin maintains censorship of editorial opinions
On March 5, 1928, Stanley Baldwin, the Prime Minister, maintained the censorship of editorial opinions on public policy, but allowed the BBC to address matters of religious, political or industrial controversy.
1928: Daily Service first broadcast
In 1928, the Daily Service, a daily 15-minute religious service, was first broadcast on the BBC.
1929: BBC complains about comedian agents
By 1929, the BBC complained that the agents of many comedians refused to sign contracts for broadcasting because they feared it harmed the artist and reduced their value as music-hall performers.
1929: Experimental television broadcasts begin
In 1929, experimental television broadcasts were started using an electromechanical 30-line system developed by John Logie Baird.
1930: BBC Symphony Orchestra Performs at Proms
In 1930, the newly formed BBC Symphony Orchestra performed all 49 Proms, marking a significant milestone in the festival's history.
October 1932: BBC censors coverage of police protest
In October 1932, the BBC censored its coverage of the Metropolitan Police Federation's march in protest at a proposed pay cut, broadcasting only official statements from the government.
1932: Limited regular television broadcasts begin
In 1932, limited regular television broadcasts began using the electromechanical system.
1932: Launch of BBC Empire Service
In 1932, the BBC Empire Service, now known as the BBC World Service, was launched.
1933: Informal information exchange begins
In 1933, BBC executive Colonel Alan Dawnay began to meet the head of MI5, Sir Vernon Kell, to informally trade information.
1935: Formal vetting arrangement made
From 1935, a formal arrangement was made where BBC job applicants would be secretly vetted by MI5 for their political views.
1935: Raymond Postgate recounts time with the BBC
In 1935, Raymond Postgate recounts his time with the BBC, claiming that broadcasters were made to submit drafts for approval.
1935: BBC censors political broadcasts
In 1935, the BBC censored the broadcasts of Oswald Mosley and Harry Pollitt, leaders of the British Union of Fascists and the Communist Party of Great Britain, respectively.
November 1936: BBC Television Service starts from Alexandra Palace
In November 1936, the BBC Television Service started from Alexandra Palace, alternating between Baird mechanical and Marconi-EMI systems.
1936: Reginald Foort as BBC Staff Theatre Organist
From 1936 to 1938, Reginald Foort held the official role of BBC Staff Theatre Organist, broadcasting at St George's Hall, London.
1936: Reith lobbies for state-run radio programmes in South Africa
In 1936, Reith visited South Africa, lobbying for state-run radio programmes accepted by South African Parliament.
1936: Introduction of High-Definition Television Service
In 1936, the BBC introduced the world's first "high-definition" 405-line television service.
1937: MI5 security officer given permanent office within BBC
In 1937, a MI5 security officer was given a permanent office within the BBC to examine the files of potential political subversives and mark the files of those deemed a security risk, blacklisting them.
1937: BBC started broadcasting Wimbledon on television
In 1937, the BBC started broadcasting Wimbledon on television, marking the beginning of the longest-running partnership in sports broadcasting history after starting on the radio in 1927.
1938: Reginald Foort as BBC Staff Theatre Organist
From 1936 to 1938, Reginald Foort held the official role of BBC Staff Theatre Organist, broadcasting at St George's Hall, London.
1938: Censorship apparatus designed for WWII
In 1938, John Reith and the Government of the United Kingdom, specifically the Ministry of Information, designed a censorship apparatus for the inevitability of war to be used by the BBC.
1938: Censorship of Winston Churchill
In 1938, Winston Churchill proposed a series of talks regarding British domestic and foreign politics and affairs but was censored.
September 1939: Suspension of television broadcasting
From September 1, 1939, television broadcasting was suspended due to World War II.
1939: BBC unites the British Empire's radio waves
From 1935 to 1939, the BBC attempted to unite the British Empire's radio waves, sending staff to various locations.
June 1940: Charles de Gaulle's speech
On 18 June 1940, French general Charles de Gaulle, in exile in London, made a speech broadcast by the BBC, urging the French people not to capitulate to the Nazis.
October 1940: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret's first radio broadcast
In October 1940, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret made their first radio broadcast for the BBC's Children's Hour, addressing other children who had been evacuated from cities.
1940: Music from enemy nations censored
By 1940, across all BBC broadcasts, music by composers from enemy nations was censored. In total, 99 German, 38 Austrian and 38 Italian composers were censored.
1941: Archbishops broadcast on National Day of Prayer
In 1941, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York broadcast to the UK and the world on the National Day of Prayer from St Paul's Church, Bedford.
1941: Proms Held at Royal Albert Hall
Since 1941, the Proms have been held at the Royal Albert Hall, becoming a tradition for the BBC-produced classical music festival.
1942: First Broadcast of Desert Island Discs
In 1942, Desert Island Discs was first broadcast on the radio.
1943: BBC provides radio programming to BFBS
Since 1943, the BBC has provided radio programming to the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
1945: Trinity Chapel studio for the Daily Service
From 1941 to 1945, the Trinity Chapel in St Paul's Church, Bedford was the studio for the Daily Service.
June 1946: Resumption of television broadcasting
On June 7, 1946, television broadcasting was resumed after World War II.
1946: Resumption of Television Service
In 1946, the BBC resumed its television service after it was suspended during the Second World War.
January 1948: First Broadcast of Sports Report
In January 1948, Sports Report was first broadcast on radio at 5 pm on Saturday evenings during the football season, featuring the same theme tune by Hubert Bath. It became the world's longest-running sports radio programme.
1949: Benny Hill's BBC Debut
In 1949, Benny Hill made his BBC debut with The Benny Hill Show, becoming the first British comedian to achieve fame via television.
February 1950: Formation of the European Broadcasting Union
On 12 February 1950, the European Broadcasting Union was formed in Torquay, with the BBC among the 23 founding broadcasting organisations.
1951: First Broadcast of The Archers
In 1951, The Archers was first broadcast on the radio and became the world's longest-running drama.
1953: First Broadcast of Panorama
In 1953, Panorama was first broadcast on BBC television and became the world's longest-running news television programme.
1954: Adaptation of Nineteen Eighty-Four
In 1954, the BBC's adaptation of Nineteen Eighty-Four made a dramatic impact on a fledgling television audience.
1955: Start of Independent Television (ITV)
In 1955, Independent Television (ITV) began operating, marking the end of the BBC's monopoly as the only television broadcaster in the UK.
1955: Competition introduced to the BBC
In 1955, competition to the BBC was introduced, with the commercial and independently operated television network of Independent Television (ITV).
1956: First Broadcast of BAFTAs
In 1956, the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) was first broadcast on the BBC, with Vivien Leigh as the host.
1957: BBC acquired Hulton Press Library
In 1957, the BBC acquired the Hulton Press Library from the Picture Post magazine.
1958: Establishment of Business Manager Post
In 1958, the selling of BBC television programs was first handled with the establishment of a business manager post.
1960: BBC Television Centre Opens
In 1960, BBC Television Centre, a purpose-built television facility, opened in White City.
1960: Establishment of Television Promotions Department
In 1960, the Television Promotions department (later renamed Television Enterprises) was established under a general manager.
1962: Pilkington Committee report
In 1962, The Pilkington Committee report praised the BBC for the quality and range of its output and heavily criticised ITV for not providing enough quality programming.
January 1964: First airing of Top of the Pops
In January 1964, Top of the Pops, the world's longest-running weekly music show, first aired, with the Rolling Stones as the first group to perform.
August 1964: First Broadcast of Match of the Day
On August 1964, Match of the Day was first broadcast. It has been broadcast on Saturday nights during the Premier League season ever since.
1964: BBC Two launches on 625 lines
In 1964, BBC Two was the first channel to be transmitted on 625 lines.
1964: Manx Radio begins broadcasting
In 1964, Manx Radio began broadcasting from the Isle of Man.
1964: BBC2 awarded second television channel
In 1964, as a result of the Pilkington Committee report, the decision was taken to award the BBC a second television channel, BBC2, renaming the existing service BBC1.
1964: Pirate radio stations emerge
Starting in 1964, a series of pirate radio stations, starting with Radio Caroline, came on the air and forced the British government finally to regulate radio services to permit nationally based advertising-financed services.
July 1967: BBC2 broadcast in colour
BBC2 was broadcast in colour from 1 July 1967, using the higher resolution 625-line standard which had been standardised across Europe.
September 1967: Reorganization and renaming of BBC radio channels
On 30 September 1967, the Light Programme was split into Radio 1 offering continuous "Popular" music, Radio 2 more "Easy Listening", the "Third" programme became Radio 3 offering classical music and cultural programming and The Home Service became Radio 4 offering news, and non-musical content such as quiz shows, readings, dramas and plays.
1967: BBC Two Introduces Regular Colour Service
In 1967, BBC Two carried a small-scale regular colour service.
1967: University Radio York launches
In 1967, University Radio York, under the name Radio York, was launched as the first legal independent radio station in the UK.
1968: First Radio License to University Radio York
In 1968, the BBC was the only legal radio broadcaster until University Radio York obtained its first license.
1968: Morecambe and Wise Debut
In 1968, the comedy duo Morecambe and Wise debuted their show on the BBC.
November 1969: BBC One introduces Colour Service
In November 1969, BBC One followed BBC Two and started broadcasting in colour.
November 1969: BBC1 and ITV begin broadcasting in colour
On 15 November 1969, BBC1 and ITV joined BBC2 in broadcasting in colour.
1969: Formation of BBC Enterprises department
In 1969, the BBC Enterprises department was formed to exploit BBC brands and programmes for commercial spin-off products.
1971: Debut of The Two Ronnies
In 1971, the popular comedy duo The Two Ronnies debuted their show on the BBC.
1971: Separate radio license ends
Until 1971, a separate license was required for sound only radio sets in non-TV households.
1972: Peter Sellers Coined "the Beeb" Nickname
In 1972, Peter Sellers coined the nickname "the Beeb" during a reunion of the 1950s BBC radio comedy The Goon Show.
October 1973: First Independent local radio station LBC came on-air
On 8 October 1973, under the control of the newly renamed Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), the UK's first Independent local radio station, LBC came on-air in the London area, ending the BBC monopoly on radio services.
September 1974: Launch of Ceefax
On September 23, 1974, the BBC launched Ceefax, the world's first teletext service, providing informational pages on BBC1.
1974: Introduction of Ceefax
In 1974, the BBC's teletext service, Ceefax, was introduced, created initially to provide subtitling, but developed into a news and information service.
1975: BBC Provides TV Programmes to BFBS
Since 1975, the BBC has provided its TV programmes to the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS).
1978: BBC staff strike
In 1978, BBC staff went on strike just before Christmas, blocking out the transmission of both channels and amalgamating all four radio stations into one.
1978: First Broadcast of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
In 1978, Douglas Adams' Radio 4 sci-fi comedy series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was first broadcast. It was the first radio comedy programme to be produced in stereo.
1979: BBC Enterprises Ltd. becomes a wholly owned limited company
In 1979, BBC Enterprises became a wholly owned limited company, named BBC Enterprises Ltd.
1982: The Computer Programme Broadcast
In 1982, the BBC's educational programming initiative started with the broadcast of "The Computer Programme," which coincided with the development of the BBC Micro computer.
1983: Start of Blackadder Series
In 1983, the black comedy sitcom Blackadder, starring Rowan Atkinson, began its run on the BBC.
1984: Blacklisted organizations
A 1984 memo revealed blacklisted organizations included the Communist Party of Great Britain, the Socialist Workers Party, and others; association could result in denial of job application.
August 1985: MI5 vetting exposed
In August 1985, The Observer published an article revealing MI5 had been vetting BBC appointments, running operations from Room 105 in Broadcasting House.
October 1985: Vetting process to stop
In October 1985, the BBC announced it would stop the vetting process, except for top roles, Wartime Broadcasting Service, and BBC World Service staff.
1985: Children's BBC programming strand
In 1985, Children's BBC began as a programming strand.
1985: 405-line VHF transmissions of BBC1 and ITV discontinued
In 1985, the 405-line VHF transmissions of BBC1 (and ITV) were discontinued for compatibility with older television receivers.
1987: Centralization of BBC operations
In 1987, the BBC decided to centralise its operations with the management team with the radio and television divisions joining forces together for the first time, the activities of the news and currents departments and coordinated jointly under the new directorate.
1988: Sale of Hulton Press Library
In 1988, the BBC sold off the Hulton Press Library, a photographic archive which had been acquired from the Picture Post magazine by the BBC in 1957. The archive was sold to Brian Deutsch and is now owned by Getty Images.
1988: Radio Times Christmas Edition sales
In 1988, the Christmas edition of Radio Times sold 11 million copies, the biggest-selling edition of any British magazine in history.
1989: Peter Sissons became a news presenter at BBC
In 1989, Peter Sissons became a main news presenter at the BBC. He worked in this role until 2009.
1989: End of Blackadder Series
In 1989, the black comedy sitcom Blackadder, starring Rowan Atkinson, aired its final series on the BBC.
1990: Launch of Radio 5
In 1990, Radio 5 was launched as a sports and educational station.
1990: Vetting further restricted
In 1990, following the Security Service Act 1989, vetting was further restricted to wartime broadcasting and those with access to secret government information.
1991: Terry Wogan Presented Auntie's Bloomers
From 1991 to 2001, Terry Wogan presented the BBC's blooper show, Auntie's Bloomers.
1991: Radio 4 coverage of Gulf War
In 1991, Radio 4 provided extensive coverage of the Gulf War.
1991: BBC responsible for TV licensing
Since 1991, the BBC has been responsible for collecting and enforcing the TV licence fee as the TV Licensing Authority.
1992: Oracle Closed
In 1992, ITV's Oracle, a teletext service that competed with the BBC's Ceefax, closed on New Year's Eve.
May 1994: Launch of BBC Networking Club
In May 1994, the BBC launched its first official online service, the BBC Networking Club, marking the beginning of its online presence.
1994: Director-General becomes editor-in-chief
From 1994, the Director-General of the BBC also assumed the role of editor-in-chief.
1994: Radio 5 replaced with BBC Radio 5 Live
In 1994, Radio 5 was replaced with BBC Radio 5 Live to become a live radio station, following the success of the Radio 4 service to cover the 1991 Gulf War.
1995: Reorganization and relaunch of BBC Enterprises
In 1995, BBC Enterprises was reorganised and relaunched as BBC Worldwide Ltd.
1995: Formation of BBC Worldwide
In 1995, BBC Worldwide was formed following the restructuring of its predecessor, BBC Enterprises.
1997: Launch of BBC News 24
In 1997, BBC News 24, a rolling news channel, launched on digital television services.
1998: Spin-off of BBC studios
In 1998, BBC studios, outside broadcasts, post production, design, costumes and wigs were spun off into BBC Resources Ltd.
1999: Launch of BBC Knowledge
In 1999, BBC Knowledge launched as a multimedia channel, with services available on the newly launched BBC Text digital teletext service (later rebranded as BBC Red Button), and on BBC Online.
2000: Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
In 2000, The BBC carries out surveillance (mostly using subcontractors) on properties (under the auspices of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000).
2000: Fawlty Towers Tops BFI TV 100 List
In 2000, the BBC's 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers topped the British Film Institute's list of the BFI TV 100.
2001: Terry Wogan left Auntie's Bloomers
In 2001, Terry Wogan left the BBC's blooper show, Auntie's Bloomers after hosting it since 1991.
2001: Formation of BBC Technology Ltd
In 2001, The BBC's IT, telephony and broadcast technology were brought together as BBC Technology Ltd.
2002: BBC Broadcast spun off
In 2002, BBC Broadcast was spun off as a separate company.
2002: Reorganization of television and radio channels
In 2002, several television and radio channels were reorganised. BBC Knowledge was replaced by BBC Four and became the BBC's arts and documentaries channel. CBBC was split into CBBC and CBeebies. New digital radio stations were created: 1Xtra, 6 Music and Radio 4 Extra.
2002: Launch of DAB and Online-Only BBC Radio Stations
In 2002, the BBC launched five additional stations that broadcast on DAB and online only, supplementing the main BBC radio stations. These include BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 7 (later renamed BBC Radio 4 Extra), and the BBC Asian Network.
2002: Renovation of Broadcasting House begins
In 2002, the renovation of Broadcasting House began.
2003: BBC Three replaces BBC Choice
In 2003, BBC Choice was replaced by BBC Three, with programming for younger adults and shocking real-life documentaries.
2003: Communications Act
In 2003, the Communications Act defined the process by which TV Licensing revenue is paid into the government Consolidated Fund.
2004: BBC contracts out its former BBC Technology division
In 2004 the BBC contracted out its former BBC Technology division to Siemens IT Solutions and Services (SIS), outsourcing its IT, telephony and broadcast technology systems.
2004: BBC Worldwide Ownership of Origin Publishing
In 2004, BBC Worldwide acquired Origin Publishing.
2004: Hutton Inquiry
In 2004, the Hutton Inquiry and the subsequent report raised questions about the BBC's journalistic standards and its impartiality, leading to resignations of senior management members.
March 2005: Launch of "Creative Futures" project
On 7 March 2005, director general Mark Thompson launched the "Creative Futures" project to restructure the organisation.
May 2005: BBC workers' strike
In May 2005, more than 11,000 BBC workers went on strike over a proposal to cut 4,000 jobs and to privatise parts of the BBC, disrupting much of the BBC's regular programming.
July 2005: BBC Online Bandwidth Peak During London Bombings
On 7 July 2005, during the London bombings, BBC Online recorded a bandwidth peak of 11 Gb/s. BBC News received 1 billion total hits and served 5.5 terabytes of data.
2005: Sale of BBC Broadcast
In 2005, BBC Broadcast was sold off to Australian-based Macquarie Capital Alliance Group and Macquarie Group Limited and rebranded Red Bee Media.
2005: BBC World Service Available on DAB in the UK
Since 2005, the BBC World Service has been available on DAB in the UK.
January 2006: BBC Jam Content Available
In January 2006, the BBC made initial content available for BBC Jam, a free online service offering interactive educational resources.
April 2006: Publication of blueprint for future of BBC
The blueprint for the future of the BBC resulting from the "Creative Futures" project was published on 25 April 2006.
May 2006: BBC HD Launches
On 15 May 2006, BBC HD launched, following a 12-month trial of the broadcasts.
2006: BBC Worldwide Divests Origin Publishing
In 2006, BBC Worldwide divested Origin Publishing.
2006: BBC World Service ends Thai and Eastern European languages
In 2006, the BBC World Service ended the Thai service and Eastern European languages.
January 2007: BBC releases minutes of board meeting
In January 2007, the BBC released minutes of the board meeting which led to Greg Dyke's resignation.
March 2007: BBC Jam Suspended
On March 20, 2007, BBC Jam was suspended due to allegations made to the European Commission that it was damaging the interests of the commercial sector of the industry.
July 2007: Launch of BBC iPlayer
On July 27, 2007, the BBC launched the BBC iPlayer platform, which allowed users to watch and listen to most television and radio output live and for seven days after broadcast.
October 2007: Thompson announces "Delivering Creative Futures" plan
On 18 October 2007, Mark Thompson announced a six-year plan, "Delivering Creative Futures", to address a £2 billion shortfall in funding by cutting payroll, reducing programming output, and selling Television Centre.
December 2007: BBC HD becomes official
In December 2007, BBC HD became an official service.
December 2007: Modular Layout Homepage Launch
In December 2007, the BBC website launched a modular layout for its homepage, enabling users to customize the displayed content.
2007: Previous arrangements
Before the 2017 charter, in 2007, the Home Secretary was departmental to both the agreement and the license, and regulatory duties fell to the BBC Trust.
2007: BBC HD Becomes a Proper Channel
In 2007, BBC HD became a proper channel and screened HD programmes as simulcasts of the main network, or as repeats.
2007: BBC Trust replaced the board of governors
In 2007, the BBC Trust replaced the previous board of governors.
2007: British Academy Television Awards screened on BBC
In 2007, the British Academy Television Awards was screened exclusively on the BBC. The awards ceremony included wins for Jim Broadbent (Best actor) and Ricky Gervais (Best comedy performance).
February 2008: Modular Layout Becomes Permanent
In February 2008, the modular layout of the BBC website's homepage became a permanent feature, following its initial launch in December 2007.
September 2008: BBC Alba Launches
In September 2008, a new Scottish Gaelic television channel, BBC Alba, was launched.
2008: Sales of BBC Outside Broadcasts Ltd and Costumes and Wigs
In 2008, BBC Outside Broadcasts Ltd was sold to Satellite Information Services, and Costumes and Wigs stock was sold to Angels Costumes.
2008: BBC Channels Available on iPlayer
Since 2008 all BBC channels are available to watch online through the BBC iPlayer service.
November 2009: Broadcast of Doctor Who Animated Episode
In November 2009, the BBC Red Button service broadcast the Doctor Who animated episode "Dreamland" as a feature unrelated to regularly broadcast programs.
2009: Queen's Award for Enterprise
In 2009, BBC Studios was awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in recognition of its international achievements in business.
2009: Peter Sissons left his position as a news presenter at BBC
In 2009, Peter Sissons left his position as a main news presenter at the BBC after being in the role since 1989.
2009: Digitisation of Radio Times listings
The BBC Genome project included listings of all BBC programmes from 1923 to 2009.
February 2010: Proposal to Cut BBC Web Output
On February 26, 2010, The Times reported that Mark Thompson, Director General of the BBC, proposed cutting the BBC's web output by 50%, reducing online staff and budgets by 25%.
March 2010: BBC Website Spending Cut
In March 2010, the BBC announced that it would cut its website spending by 25% and close BBC 6 Music and Asian Network as part of Mark Thompson's plans.
October 2010: Licence fee freeze
In October 2010, the BBC faced a licence fee freeze, which led to a 20% budget reduction.
October 2010: Announcement of television licence fee freeze
On 20 October 2010, the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced that the television licence fee would be frozen at its current level until the end of the current charter in 2016.
November 2010: BBC One HD Launches
On 3 November 2010, a high-definition simulcast of BBC One was launched, entitled BBC One HD.
December 2010: Atos Origin acquires Siemens IT Solutions and Services
In December 2010, Atos Origin acquired Siemens IT Solutions and Services (SIS), including the BBC support contract.
2010: Launch of BBC One HD
In 2010, an HD simulcast of BBC One launched: BBC One HD.
June 2011: BBC Alba available on Freeview and cable television in Scotland
Since June 2011, BBC Alba has been available to viewers in Scotland on Freeview and cable television.
July 2011: BBC Announces Technology Support to Become an Atos Service
In July 2011, the BBC announced to staff that its technology support would become an Atos service.
October 2011: Budget cuts announced
In October 2011, the BBC announced further budget cuts to reach a total reduction of 20% after the licence fee freeze, which included cutting staff and relocating others to MediaCityUK.
2011: BBC World Service Funded Through the Licence Fee
Following the Government's spending review, in 2011 the BBC World Service was funded for the first time through the Licence fee.
2011: Sale of BBC Magazines
In 2011, BBC Magazines was sold to Exponent Private Equity, which merged it with Origin Publishing to form Immediate Media Company.
2011: BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra broadcast from MediaCityUK
In 2011, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra started broadcasting from MediaCityUK in Salford.
2011: BBC Radio 7 becomes BBC Radio 4 Extra
In 2011, BBC Radio 7 became BBC Radio 4 Extra, with new programmes to supplement those broadcast on Radio 4.
2011: Peter Sissons said BBC has left-wing bias
In 2011, Peter Sissons, a main news presenter at the BBC from 1989 to 2009, said that "at the core of the BBC, in its very DNA, is a way of thinking that is firmly of the Left".
2011: Radio 2 has the largest audience share
In 2011, Radio 2 had the largest audience share (up to 16.8%).
October 2012: Ceefax Closed
On October 23, 2012, the BBC closed its Ceefax service on the BBC1 and BBC2 analogue channels after running since September 1974, due to the digital switchover in the United Kingdom.
December 2012: BBC Completes Digitisation of Radio Times Listings
In December 2012, the BBC completed a digitisation exercise, scanning the listings of all BBC programmes from about 4,500 copies of the Radio Times magazine from the first issue in 1923 to 2009 for the "BBC Genome project".
December 2012: Analogue Transmission Phased Out
As of December 2012, analogue transmission was completely phased out in the UK.
2012: Roath Lock Studios Open in Cardiff
In 2012, Roath Lock studios opened in Cardiff, home to productions such as Doctor Who and Casualty.
2012: John Linwood expresses confidence in service improvements
In 2012, the BBC's then-chief technology officer John Linwood, expressed confidence in service improvements to the BBC's technology provision brought about by Atos.
2012: Renovation of Broadcasting House completed
In 2012, the renovation of Broadcasting House was completed.
2012: Sales centred on key superbrands
Of BBC Worldwide's 2012/13 sales, 27% were centred on the five key "superbrands" of Doctor Who, Top Gear, Strictly Come Dancing (known as Dancing with the Stars internationally), the BBC's archive of natural history programming (collected under the umbrella of BBC Earth) and the (now sold) travel guide brand Lonely Planet.
2012: Bandwidth peak when London was awarded the 2012 Summer Olympics
When London was awarded the 2012 Summer Olympics, BBC Online had a bandwidth peak of around 5 Gbit/s.
March 2013: BFBS to Carry BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC Three Programming
From 27 March 2013, BFBS started carrying versions of BBC One and BBC Two, which include children's programming from CBBC, as well as programming from BBC Three on a new channel called BFBS Extra.
March 2013: BBC HD Closed
In March 2013, BBC HD was closed and replaced with an HD simulcast of BBC Two.
March 2013: BBC Television Centre Closes
In March 2013, BBC Television Centre, based in White City, closed.
March 2013: BBC HD replaced by BBC Two HD
In March 2013, the BBC HD channel closed and was replaced by BBC Two HD.
March 2013: BBC Two HD launches, replacing BBC HD
On 26 March 2013, BBC Two HD launched, replacing BBC HD.
2013: BBC News Relocates to Broadcasting House
In 2013, BBC News relocated from BBC Television Centre to Broadcasting House.
2013: Sale of Television Centre
In 2013, as part of the "Delivering Creative Futures" plan, the BBC sold Television Centre.
2013: Launch of Drama Channel
In 2013, the BBC Studios-owned UKTV network launched the Drama channel, dedicated to drama programming.
2013: Operating expenditure
In 2013, the BBC had the second largest budget of any UK-based broadcaster with an operating expenditure of £4.722 billion.
February 2014: Tony Hall announced that the corporation needed to save £100 million
In February 2014, Director-General Tony Hall announced that the corporation needed to save £100 million.
March 2014: BBC Three to Become Internet-Only Channel
In March 2014, the BBC confirmed plans for BBC Three to become an internet-only channel.
April 2014: BBC World Service funding
Since April 1, 2014, the television licence fee has also funded the BBC World Service, which broadcasts in 28 languages.
October 2014: BBC Trust Issued Complaints Framework
In October 2014, the BBC Trust issued the "BBC complaints framework", outlining complaints and appeals procedures.
October 2014: BBC Genome Project Opens to Public Access
On 15 October 2014, the BBC Genome project was opened to public access, with corrections to OCR errors and changes to advertised schedules being crowdsourced.
February 2016: BBC Three becomes digital outlet
On February 16, 2016, BBC Three transitioned from a television service to a digital outlet, targeting young adults with web series and other online content.
2016: Savings target announced
In 2016, BBC Director General Tony Hall announced a savings target of £800 million per year by 2021.
2016: Partnership to Develop International Streaming Service
In 2016, the BBC partnered with ITV and Channel 4 to develop 'project kangaroo,' an international online streaming service to compete with services such as Netflix.
2016: End of current charter
In October 2010, the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced that the television licence fee would be frozen at its current level until the end of the current charter in 2016. The same announcement revealed that the BBC would take on the full cost of running the BBC World Service and the BBC Monitoring service from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and partially finance the Welsh broadcaster S4C.
January 2017: New Charter effective
On January 1, 2017, the current BBC charter took effect and is set to expire on December 31, 2027.
March 2017: Launch of BritBox
In March 2017, BritBox, an international online streaming service, was launched, showcasing classic BBC and ITV shows and making programmes available shortly after their UK broadcast.
April 2017: BBC Board formed
In April 2017, the BBC Board was formed, replacing the BBC Trust.
April 2017: Activities overseen by the BBC Board
Since April 2017, the BBC's activities have been overseen by the BBC Board and regulated by Ofcom.
July 2017: BBC announces plans to "re-invent" its output
In July 2017, the BBC released its 2017-18 report announcing plans to "re-invent" its output, including increasing content diversity, investing in digital children's content, and making larger investments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
2017: New Charter agreement
In 2017, under the new royal charter, the BBC is subject to an agreement between it and the Culture Secretary and its operating license set by Ofcom.
2017: Total income amount
In 2017/18, the BBC's total income was £5.062 billion.
2018: Total income reduction
According to the BBC's 2018/19 Annual Report, the total income decreased from £5.062 billion in 2017/18.
2018: People caught without license
In 2018, According to TV Licensing, 216,900 people in the UK were caught watching TV without a licence in 2018/19.
2018: Formation of BBC Studios
In 2018, BBC Studios was formed through the merger of the BBC's commercial production arm and BBC Worldwide.
2018: Opinion Poll on BBC Partisanship
In 2018, an opinion poll by BMG Research found that 40% of the British public think that the BBC is politically partisan.
February 2019: BBC Scotland Launches
In February 2019, Scotland's new television channel, BBC Scotland, launched.
September 2019: Trusted News Initiative launched
In September 2019, the BBC launched the Trusted News Initiative to combat disinformation with news and social media companies during national elections.
2019: BBC Two Scotland Replaced with Networked Version
In 2019, the Scottish variation of BBC Two ceased operation and was replaced with the networked version in favour of a new BBC Scotland channel.
2020: BBC News savings target announced
In 2020, the BBC announced a BBC News savings target of £80 million per year by 2022, involving about 520 staff reductions and a shift toward digital broadcasting.
2021: BritBox Expansion
As of 2021, BritBox is available in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, expanding its presence in new markets.
2021: Savings target year
In 2021, the BBC aimed to reach a savings target of £800 million per year.
2022: BBC News savings target year
By 2022, BBC News aimed to achieve a savings target of £80 million per year.
2022: Richard Sharp claimed BBC has a liberal bias
In 2022, the BBC chairman, Richard Sharp, claimed that the BBC "does have a liberal bias" and that the institution is "fighting against it".
March 2023: Political row with Gary Lineker
In March 2023, the BBC was at the center of a political row involving football pundit Gary Lineker, who was suspended and later reinstated after criticizing the government's asylum policy.
April 2023: Richard Sharp resigns as chairman
In April 2023, Richard Sharp resigned as BBC chairman after a report found he did not disclose potential conflicts of interest regarding a loan to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
June 2023: Dame Elan Closs Stephens appointed acting chairwoman
On June 27, 2023, Dame Elan Closs Stephens was appointed as acting chairwoman of the BBC, leading the board for a year.
2023: UK households cancelled their TV licence
In 2023, around half a million UK households cancelled their TV licenses due to shifting viewing habits and financial pressures.
March 2024: Samir Shah appointed BBC chairman
Samir Shah was appointed chairman of the BBC with effect from March 4, 2024.
April 2024: TV licence cost
As of April 2024, the television licence costs £169.50 per year per household in the UK.
October 2024: Deal signed to broadcast Women's Super League
In October 2024, it was announced that the BBC along with Sky Sports signed a deal to broadcast the 2025-26 season of the Women's Super League campaign.
May 2025: Plans to switch off traditional broadcast transmissions
In May 2025, BBC director general Tim Davie announced plans to switch off traditional broadcast transmissions in the 2030s to transition to a fully online delivery of programmes.
November 2025: BBC Executives Resigned Over Trump Speech Splicing
In November 2025, allegations by The Daily Telegraph that the BBC had deliberately spliced a Donald Trump speech preceding the January 6th United States Capitol attack in a documentary led to several BBC executives resigning.
November 2025: Tim Davie and Deborah Turness resign
In November 2025, following the leaking of a report that alleged systemic bias within the BBC, Tim Davie resigned as Director-General along with Deborah Turness as CEO of News within the organization.
2025: Broadcast deal for Women's Super League season
In 2025-26 season, the BBC along with Sky Sports signed a deal to broadcast the Women's Super League campaign.
December 2027: Charter expires
The current BBC charter is set to expire on December 31, 2027.
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