(Translated by https://www.hiragana.jp/)
History of the BBC

History of the BBC

Explore the history of the BBC since its foundation in 1922 to the present day

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, or go in-depth via one of our long-form articles.

And tell us your memories of what the BBC means to you.

  • Celebrating 100 years of the BBC in Northern Ireland

    Northern Ireland was quick to fall in love with radio when the BBC launched its Belfast station "2BE" on 15 September, 1924. 100 years on, it's a 24/7 multi-media digital operation. This is the BBC Northern Ireland story.
  • BBC Bristol at 90

    September 1934 was a big moment for the BBC in the west of England. Two years after Broadcasting House in London opened, the BBC Bristol studios were up and running with speech, drama and music. Find out here here how it all started.
  • Bristol - a BBC home for natural history

    Many consider the 'jewel in the crown' of the BBC to be its natural history series. BBC Bristol has been the base for countless programmes about the natural environment since the early years, as Professor Jamie Medhurst of Aberystwyth University explains.
  • Objects of the BBC

    Gerry Anderson was remembered fondly in these wonderful animations to mark Radio Foyle’s 40th anniversary in 2019. We've selected a classic moment from our Objects of the BBC collection.
  • Faces of the BBC

    Running for six series across both BBC One and Two, Peaky Blinders played a major part in the successful acting career of Cillian Murphy. See his and other Faces of the BBC here.
  • Voices of the BBC

    From life in the BBC as a telephone operator, to the pioneers of colour television and the BBC in the digital age, the BBC Oral History Collection has been recording the world of the corporation since 1972. Start your journey here through our themed collections.
  • Timeline

    Trace the BBC story across its first 100 years, using our interactive timeline. Video, audio and some rarely-seen images take you through the major broadcasting moments.
  • Share your Memories

    Tell us your recollections of past BBC programmes. How have these shows or series informed or entertained you or a relative over the years?
  • BBC Exhibitions

    Look out for events and exhibitions showcasing BBC entertainment, science, and war programming, international broadcasting, and vintage radio and TV equipment.
  • Plaques

    The BBC Heritage Trail brings together newly commissioned blue plaques and existing plaque schemes to celebrate the buildings used for broadcasting over the decades. Also featured are plaques installed as part of David Olusoga’s landmark series Black and British - A Forgotten History, and the BBC Music Day plaques created for BBC Local Radio.

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