British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Since its origins in 1922, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has grown to include interactive TV channels, radio networks, more than 50 local TV and radio services, and a website. The BBC has made a point of providing a complete range of programming for children throughout its history.

The British Broadcasting Company, as the BBC was originally called, started in 1922, when the United Kingdom's six major radio manufacturers set out to exploit the new invention. Broadcasters were not allowed to advertise but were financed by an annual license fee of half a pound, payable by anyone owning a receiver and supplemented by royalties on radio sales. The first broadcast came from London on November 14, 1922. A month later, John Reith (much later, Lord Reith) became general manager. After supporting the government in its coverage of the 1926 general strike, the company was dissolved, and the British Broadcasting Corporation was formed with a royal charter.

Radio grew during the 1930s, with particular attention to national and sporting events; the BBC also became a major patron of the arts, commissioning music and drama. In 1932, the HQ Broadcasting House in London opened as the center for radio production, as did the Empire (Radio) Service, the precursor of the World Service. Television arrived on November 2, 1936, but was suspended at the outbreak of war in 1939. Newsreader Bruce Belfrage was on air when 500 pounds of explosives hit Broadcasting House in October 1940. He paused as he heard the bomb go off during his nine o'clock bulletin but continued as normal, as he was not allowed to react on the air for security reasons. Seven people were killed.

Peacetime saw the resumption of one television channel; radio provided two national stations and, from 1946, the Third Programme, which featured music, drama and the arts. The Empire Service continued as the External Service, now receiving a grant-in-aid from the government, a situation that continues today with the World Service. In 1955, television ownership was boosted by the broadcasting of the Queen's coronation.

Competition emerged in 1955 in the form of the commercial, non-BBC Independent Television channel (ITV). The Television Centre in west London opened in 1960, and a second television channel, BBC Two, was launched in 1964. By 1967, radio expanded to provide four stations, and color was added to BBC Two.

In the 1970s, the BBC began broadcasting Open University programs. Teletext arrived in 1974, with early Ceefax transmissions (subtitling for the deaf) [Page 135]coming 5 years later. Facing increasing competition from commercial radio and Channel 4 television, the BBC expanded with new channels. World Service radio was complemented by a BBC World television service, and satellite channel UK Gold helped it exploit the BBC's valuable archives.

By 2005, the BBC provided 8 interactive TV channels, 10 radio networks, more than 50 local TV and radio services, and the BBC website at http://www.bbc.co.uk. The BBC also runs social action, education, and minority language programs and maintains several orchestras. In 2004–2005, 95.6% of the UK population used the BBC at least once per month, and the BBC's royal charter was expected to be renewed in recognizably similar form to in 2006, with the BBC still financed by a license payable by each household.

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