History of BBC in Timeline

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the UK's public service broadcaster, established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company and renamed in 1927. Headquartered in London, it is the world's oldest and largest broadcaster, employing over 21,000 staff, with approximately 17,200 dedicated to public-sector broadcasting. The BBC plays a significant role in British media and culture, providing a wide range of television, radio, and online services.

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, sponsored by Alfred Harmsworth and featuring Dame Nellie Melba.

October 1922: Formation of the British Broadcasting Company Ltd

On October 18, 1922, the British Broadcasting Company Ltd was formed, 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, and the company made its first official broadcast.

1922: Formation of the BBC

In 1922, the BBC was formed and began to play a prominent role in British life and culture.

1922: Establishment of the British Broadcasting Company

In 1922, the British Broadcasting Company was established, marking the origins of what would become the BBC.

September 1923: Launch of the Radio Times

In September 1923, the Radio Times was launched by Reith. The first edition was priced at tuppence and sold out its initial run of a quarter of a million copies.

September 1923: Radio Times First Published

On September 28, 1923, the BBC first published the Radio Times, 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 recommended that the British Broadcasting Company be replaced by a non-commercial, Crown-chartered organisation.

1925: Broadcasting under consideration by the Crawford committee

In 1925, the future of broadcasting was under consideration by the Crawford committee, leading to the consensus favouring a continuation of the unified broadcasting service.

1926: BBC becomes primary news source during general strike

In May 1926, the BBC became the primary source of news due to the interruption of newspaper production during the United Kingdom general strike.

January 1927: Establishment of the British Broadcasting Corporation

On January 1, 1927, the British Broadcasting Corporation came into existence, and John Reith was appointed as its first director general.

1927: BBC Takes Over The Proms

In 1927, the BBC began producing the BBC Proms annually after music publishers Chappell and Co withdrew their support.

1927: Wimbledon broadcast on radio

In 1927, the BBC started broadcasting Wimbledon on radio, beginning the longest-running partnership in sports broadcasting history.

1927: Evolution into the British Broadcasting Corporation

On New Year's Day in 1927, the British Broadcasting Company evolved into its current state, adopting the name British Broadcasting Corporation.

March 1928: Easing of Censorship Policy

On 5 March 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: First broadcast of the Daily Service

In 1928, the BBC first broadcast the Daily Service, a daily 15 minute religious service.

1929: Animosities between the BBC and established media

By 1929, the BBC complained that the agents of many comedians refused to sign contracts for broadcasting, because they feared it harmed the artist "by making his material stale".

1929: Start of experimental television broadcasts

In 1929, experimental television broadcasts were started using an electromechanical 30-line system developed by John Logie Baird.

1930: BBC Symphony Orchestra Performs at The Proms

In 1930, the newly formed BBC Symphony Orchestra performed all 49 Proms.

October 1932: Censorship of Metropolitan Police Federation protest coverage

In October 1932, the BBC censored its coverage of the Metropolitan Police Federation's protest against a proposed pay cut, fearing dissent and public support.

1932: Start of limited regular television broadcasts

In 1932, limited regular television broadcasts began using the electromechanical system.

1932: Launch of the BBC Empire Service

In 1932, the BBC Empire Service was launched, later known as the BBC World Service.

1935: Raymond Postgate recounting his time with the BBC

In 1935, Raymond Postgate recounts that BBC broadcasters were made to submit a draft of their potential broadcast for approval, tailoring their content to accommodate the modest, church-going elderly or a member of the Clergy.

1935: Censorship of 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, as well as censoring other less radical politicians.

November 1936: Launch of BBC Television Service

In November 1936, the BBC Television Service was launched from Alexandra Palace, alternating between the Baird mechanical system and the Marconi-EMI electronic system.

1936: Reginald Foort role as BBC Staff Theatre Organist

In 1936, Reginald Foort held the official role of BBC Staff Theatre Organist.

1936: South African parliament accepts state-run radio programs

In 1936, The South African Parliament accepted state-run radio programs after lobbying by Reith.

1936: Introduction of 405-line Television Service

In 1936, the BBC introduced the world's first "high-definition" 405-line television service.

1937: MI5 security officer given permanent office

In 1937, a MI5 security officer was given a permanent office within the BBC to examine files of potential political subversives and blacklist those deemed a security risk.

1937: Wimbledon broadcast on television

In 1937, the BBC started broadcasting Wimbledon on television, continuing the longest-running partnership in sports broadcasting history.

1938: Censorship apparatus designed

In 1938, John Reith and the Government of the United Kingdom designed a censorship apparatus for the inevitability of war.

1938: End of Reginald Foort role as BBC Staff Theatre Organist

In 1938, Reginald Foort no longer held the official role of BBC Staff Theatre Organist.

1938: Censorship of Winston Churchill's talks

In 1938, Winston Churchill proposed a series of talks regarding British domestic and foreign politics and affairs but was censored by the BBC.

September 1939: Suspension of television broadcasting

On September 1, 1939, television broadcasting was suspended during World War II.

1939: Precursor to total shutdown of political debate

By 1939, the censorship of political discourse by the BBC was a precursor to the total shutdown of political debate that manifested over the BBC's wartime airwaves.

June 1940: Charles de Gaulle's speech

On 18 June 1940, French general Charles de Gaulle, in exile in London as the leader of the Free French, 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 by composers from enemy nations censored

By 1940, across all BBC broadcasts, music by composers from enemy nations was censored, including 99 German, 38 Austrian and 38 Italian composers.

1941: Daily Service studio moved to Trinity Chapel

In 1941, the Trinity Chapel in St Paul's Church, Bedford was the studio for the Daily Service from 1941 to 1945.

1941: The Proms Held at the Royal Albert Hall

Since 1941, the Proms have been held at the Royal Albert Hall.

1942: Desert Island Discs first broadcast

In 1942, Desert Island Discs was first broadcast on radio.

1945: End of Daily Service studio at Trinity Chapel

In 1945, the Trinity Chapel in St Paul's Church, Bedford was no longer the studio for the Daily Service.

June 1946: Resumption of television broadcasting

On June 7, 1946, television broadcasting resumed after World War II.

1946: Television Service Resumes

In 1946, the BBC resumed its television service after being suspended during the Second World War.

January 1948: Sports Report first broadcast

Since January 1948, Sports Report has been broadcast on radio at 5pm on Saturday evenings during the football season, featuring the same theme tune by Hubert Bath.

1949: Benny Hill's BBC Debut

In 1949, Benny Hill made his BBC debut, and with The Benny Hill Show became the first British comedian to become famous via television.

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February 1950: European Broadcasting Union formed

On 12 February 1950, the European Broadcasting Union was formed in Torquay, with the BBC among the 23 founding broadcasting organizations.

1951: The Archers first broadcast

In 1951, The Archers, the world's longest-running drama, was first broadcast on radio.

1951: Publication of The BBC Hymn Book

In 1951, the BBC, with Oxford University Press, published The BBC Hymn Book for radio listeners, containing 542 popular hymns.

1953: Panorama first broadcast

In 1953, Panorama, the world's longest-running news television programme, was first broadcast on BBC television.

1955: ITV Begins Operating

In 1955, Independent Television (ITV) began operating, marking the end of the BBC's monopoly on television broadcasting in the UK.

1955: Competition to the BBC introduced

In 1955, competition to the BBC was introduced, with the commercial and independently operated television network of Independent Television (ITV).

1956: British Academy Film Awards first broadcast

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, BBC acquired Hulton Press Library, a photographic archive from the Picture Post magazine.

1958: Establishment of Business Manager Post

In 1958, a business manager post was established to handle the selling of BBC television programmes.

1960: Establishment of Television Enterprises Department

In 1960, the Television Promotions department (renamed Television Enterprises) was established under a general manager.

1962: Pilkington Committee report

As a result of the Pilkington Committee report of 1962, in which the BBC was praised for the quality and range of its output, and ITV was very heavily criticised for not providing enough quality programming.

January 1964: Top of the Pops first aired

In January 1964, Top of the Pops, the world's longest-running weekly music show, was first broadcast with the Rolling Stones as the first group to perform on the show.

August 1964: Match of the Day first broadcast

Since August 1964, Match of the Day has been broadcast on Saturday nights during the Premier League season.

1964: BBC2 awarded a second television channel

In 1964, the decision was taken to award the BBC a second television channel, BBC2, renaming the existing service BBC1.

1964: Pirate radio stations came on air

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.

September 1967: BBC radio channels reorganised and renamed

On 30 September 1967, the Light Programme was split into Radio 1, Radio 2, the "Third" programme became Radio 3, and The Home Service became Radio 4.

1968: First Radio License to University Radio York

In 1968, the BBC remained the only legal radio broadcaster until University Radio York obtained its first license.

1968: Morecambe and Wise Show Debut

In 1968, the Morecambe and Wise show debuted on the BBC.

November 1969: BBC1 and ITV broadcast in colour

On 15 November 1969, BBC1 and ITV joined BBC2 in broadcasting in colour.

1969: BBC Enterprises department formed

In 1969, the BBC Enterprises department was formed to exploit BBC brands and programmes for commercial spin-off products.

1971: The Two Ronnies Debut

In 1971, The Two Ronnies debuted on the BBC.

1972: Peter Sellers coined "the Beeb" nickname

In 1972, Peter Sellers coined "the Beeb" nickname during a reunion of the 1950s BBC radio comedy The Goon Show, and the song "Auntie" was released to celebrate the BBC's fiftieth anniversary.

October 1973: First Independent local radio station LBC came on-air

On 8 October 1973, the BBC monopoly on radio services ended as the UK's first Independent local radio station, LBC, came on-air in the London area.

September 1974: Launch of Ceefax

On September 23, 1974, the BBC launched Ceefax, the world's first teletext service, on BBC1.

1974: Ceefax introduced

In 1974, the BBC's teletext service, Ceefax, was introduced, created initially to provide subtitling, but developed into a news and information service.

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: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy first broadcast

In 1978, Douglas Adams' Radio 4 sci-fi comedy series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was the first radio comedy programme to be produced in stereo.

1979: BBC Enterprises Ltd formed

In 1979, BBC Enterprises became a wholly owned limited company, BBC Enterprises Ltd.

1982: Broadcast of The Computer Programme

In 1982, The Computer Programme was broadcast, marking the start of the BBC's educational programming related to the BBC Computer Literacy Project.

1983: Blackadder Series Launch

In 1983, Blackadder, starring Rowan Atkinson, launched for its four series run.

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1985: Children's BBC programming strand started

In 1985, Children's BBC started 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 continued for compatibility with older television receivers until 1985.

1987: Radio and television divisions join forces

In 1987, the BBC decided to centralize its operations with the radio and television divisions joining forces together for the first time.

1988: Hulton Press Library sold off

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.

1988: Record sales for Radio Times Christmas edition

In 1988, the Christmas edition of Radio Times sold 11 million copies, becoming the biggest-selling edition of any British magazine in history.

1988: Radio Times Record Sales

In 1988, the Christmas edition of Radio Times sold 11,220,666 copies, a record for British magazines.

1989: Peter Sissons began as main news presenter at BBC

In 1989, Peter Sissons began his role as a main news presenter at the BBC.

1989: Blackadder Series Conclusion

In 1989, the fourth and final series of Blackadder concluded its run on the BBC.

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1990: Radio 5 launched

In 1990, Radio 5 was launched as a sports and educational station.

1991: Auntie's Bloomers presented by Terry Wogan

From 1991 to 2001, Terry Wogan presented the BBC's blooper show, Auntie's Bloomers.

1991: Radio 4 service covered the Gulf War

In 1991, Radio 4 successfully covered the Gulf War.

1992: ITV's Oracle Closure

In 1992, ITV's Oracle, which tried to compete with 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.

1994: BBC Radio 5 Live launched

In 1994, Radio 5 was replaced with BBC Radio 5 Live, a live news and sport station, following the success of the Radio 4 service to cover the 1991 Gulf War.

1995: BBC Enterprises relaunched as BBC Worldwide Ltd

In 1995, BBC Enterprises was reorganised and relaunched as BBC Worldwide Ltd.

1995: BBC Worldwide Formed

In 1995, BBC Worldwide was formed following the restructuring of BBC Enterprises.

1997: BBC News 24 launched

In 1997, BBC News 24, a rolling news channel, launched on digital television services.

1997: Relaunch as BBC Online

In 1997, the BBC Networking Club was relaunched as BBC Online.

1998: BBC Resources Ltd spun off

In 1998, BBC studios, outside broadcasts, post production, design, costumes and wigs were spun off into BBC Resources Ltd.

1999: BBC Knowledge launched

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: BFI TV 100 List

In 2000, the BBC's 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers topped the British Film Institute's BFI TV 100 list.

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2001: Auntie's Bloomers ended

In 2001, Terry Wogan presented the last episode of the BBC's blooper show, Auntie's Bloomers.

2001: BBC Technology Ltd created

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: Television and radio channels were reorganised

In 2002, several television and radio channels were reorganised. BBC Knowledge was replaced by BBC Four, CBBC was split into CBBC and CBeebies, and new digital radio stations were created: 1Xtra, 6 Music and Radio 4 Extra.

2003: BBC Three replaced BBC Choice

In 2003, BBC Choice was replaced by BBC Three, with programming for younger adults and shocking real-life documentaries.

2004: BBC Worldwide Owns Origin Publishing

In 2004, BBC Worldwide Owned Origin Publishing.

2004: Hutton Inquiry raised questions about BBC's journalistic standards and impartiality

The 2004 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: Creative Futures project launched

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 privatise parts of the BBC, disrupting much of the BBC's regular programming.

2005: BBC Broadcast sold off and rebranded Red Bee Media

In 2005, BBC Broadcast was sold off and rebranded Red Bee Media.

January 2006: BBC Jam Content Launch

In January 2006, initial content was made available on BBC Jam, a free online service.

April 2006: Blueprint for the future of the BBC published

The blueprint for the future of the BBC resulting from the Creative Futures project was published on 25 April 2006.

2006: BBC Books sold to Random House

In 2006, BBC Books was sold to Random House.

2006: BBC HD launched

In 2006, BBC HD was launched as an experimental service.

2006: BBC Worldwide Sells Origin Publishing

In 2006, BBC Worldwide Sells Origin Publishing.

January 2007: BBC released minutes of the board meeting

In January 2007, the BBC released minutes of the board meeting which led to Greg Dyke's resignation.

March 2007: BBC Jam Suspension

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: BBC iPlayer Platform Launch

On July 27 2007, the BBC iPlayer platform was launched, allowing users to watch and listen to most Television and Radio output live and for seven days after broadcast.

October 2007: "Delivering Creative Futures" six-year plan announced

On 18 October 2007, Thompson announced a six-year plan, "Delivering Creative Futures", which included merging the television current affairs department into a new "News Programmes" division.

December 2007: BBC HD became official

In December 2007, BBC HD became an official channel, broadcasting HD simulcasts of programmes.

December 2007: Modular Layout Launch

In December 2007, the BBC homepage launched a modular layout system, allowing users to customize the information displayed.

2007: British Academy Television Awards

Since 2007, the British Academy Television Awards has been screened exclusively on the BBC with wins for Jim Broadbent (Best actor) and Ricky Gervais (Best comedy performance).

February 2008: Modular Layout Permanent

In February 2008, the modular layout system on the BBC homepage became a permanent feature.

2008: BBC News 24 became BBC News Channel and BBC Alba launched

In 2008, BBC News 24 became the BBC News Channel, and BBC Alba, a Scottish Gaelic service, was launched.

2008: BBC Outside Broadcasts Ltd and Costumes and Wigs sold

In 2008, BBC Outside Broadcasts Ltd and Costumes and Wigs stock were sold.

November 2009: Broadcast of Doctor Who animated episode

In November 2009, the Doctor Who animated episode "Dreamland" was broadcast on the BBC Red Button.

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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 as main news presenter at BBC

In 2009, Peter Sissons ended his role as a main news presenter at the BBC.

February 2010: Proposal to cut web output

On February 26 2010, The Times reported that Mark Thompson proposed a 50% cut to the BBC's web output, with reductions in online staff and budgets.

March 2010: Website Spending Cut

In March 2010, the BBC reported that it would cut its website spending by 25% and close BBC 6 Music and Asian Network.

October 2010: Television licence fee to be frozen

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.

2010: BBC One HD launched

In 2010, an HD simulcast of BBC One launched: BBC One HD.

2011: BBC Magazines Sold

In 2011, BBC Magazines was sold to Exponent Private Equity, which merged it with Origin Publishing to form Immediate Media Company.

2011: BBC Magazines sold to Immediate Media Company

In 2011, BBC Magazines was sold to Immediate Media Company.

2011: BBC Radio 7 became 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 on BBC's left-wing bias

In 2011, Peter Sissons, a main news presenter at the BBC from 1989 to 2009, stated that "at the core of the BBC, in its very DNA, is a way of thinking that is firmly of the Left".

October 2012: Ceefax Closure

On October 23, 2012, the BBC's Ceefax service was discontinued on BBC1 and BBC2 due to the digital switchover.

March 2013: BBC HD channel closed and replaced by BBC Two HD

In March 2013, the BBC HD channel closed and was replaced by BBC Two HD.

2013: Drama Channel Launch

In 2013, the UKTV network launched the Drama channel, which features drama programming.

2013: Television Centre to be sold

Thompson's announcement included a plan to sell Television Centre in 2013.

April 2014: Funding of the BBC World Service

Since April 1, 2014, the annual television licence fee has also funded the BBC World Service.

October 2014: BBC complaints framework issued

In October 2014, the BBC Trust issued the "BBC complaints framework", outlining complaints and appeals procedures.

2016: BBC Partners to Develop Streaming Service

In 2016, the BBC partnered with ITV and Channel 4 to develop an international online streaming service, eventually launching as BritBox.

2016: End of the current charter

In 2016, the television licence fee would be frozen at its current level until the end of the current charter.

March 2017: BritBox Launch

In March 2017, BritBox launched as an online streaming service featuring classic BBC and ITV shows.

2018: BBC Studios Formation

In 2018, BBC Studios was formed after the merger of the BBC's commercial production arm and BBC Worldwide.

2018: Opinion poll on BBC's political partisanship

In 2018, a BMG Research opinion poll found that 40% of the British public think that the BBC is politically partisan, with an even split between those that believe it leans to the left or right.

2021: BritBox Expansion

As of 2021, BritBox is available in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

2022: Richard Sharp acknowledges BBC's liberal bias

In 2022, the BBC chairman, Richard Sharp, acknowledged that "the BBC does have a liberal bias", and added that "the institution is fighting against it".