History of the BBC
Explore more than 100 years of the BBC’s history – click on our interactive timeline or investigate a topical anniversary, unpack the story of fascinating objects from our varied collections ...
The BBC Story
No other broadcaster in the world has had such a diverse, exciting and long history. The BBC celebrates its centenary in 2022, and these timelines map out the Corporation's life decade by decade.
Accessibility links - BBC
The BBC is established by Royal Charter as the British Broadcasting Corporation. Sir John Reith becomes the first Director-General. The Charter defined the BBC's objectives, powers and obligations.
The BBC Story - History of the BBC
No other broadcaster in the world has had such a diverse, exciting and long history. The BBC celebrates its centenary in 2022, and these timelines map out the Corporation's life decade by decade.
A History of the History of the BBC
The BBC is one of the few broadcasters that has taken its own history seriously. From the 1950s it began a comprehensive project devoted to looking at itself.
Timeline - BBC
Our timeline brings together a selection of the BBC's best-known programmes and an overview of some of the many milestones that have shaped the corporation over the years.
1920s - History of the BBC
The BBC is established by Royal Charter as the British Broadcasting Corporation. Sir John Reith becomes the first Director-General. The Charter defined the BBC's objectives, powers and obligations.
BBC 100 - Celebrating 100 Years of the BBC
Find out more about the BBC, part of all our lives for 100 years, keeping us informed, educated and entertained.
Accessibility links - BBC
The ground breaking moment was used to inaugurate the start of BBC Empire Service, forerunner to today’s BBC World Service, and the King’s voice was heard for the first time by millions ...
LGBTQ+ and the BBC
From rumours about the sexuality of the BBC’s first Director General, to the first same sex Strictly competitors, our timeline explores LGBTQ+ life at the BBC from the 1920s to the present day.