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.
Anniversaries
Daughter Clare wants to move out. Mother Eleanor wants to move in. Should Sarah just sell up? Prunella Scales starred in Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women, first broadcast on this day in April 1985, BBC Radio 4. Read more about this and other BBC anniversaries here.
Radio Reinvented
After Henry was just one of the many situation comedies on radio that can trace its roots to an era of change when BBC Radio 4 was launched in 1967. Dr. Alban Webb, Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies, University of Sussex explores the early years of BBC national radio.
Importing the best
Bringing the best international drama to British viewers was a tradition that began on the BBC 70 years ago. Writer and broadcaster Paul Hayes explores this fascinating little-known area of broadcasting history. Image: Canadian television drama director Sydney Newman at the BBC.
80 years on
Letter from America marks its 80th birthday this year. Dive into the written archives of the series with Glenda Cooper and Howard Tumber of City St. George's, University of London. Image: Alistair Cooke, presenter of Letter From America.
Objects of the BBC
This is an early guidebook for BBC radio producers that warned them against broadcasting vulgarity and jokes about certain members of the audience. Although After Henry never came under its direct influence, it left a long legacy. It's another one of our Objects of the BBC.
Faces of the BBC
Faces of the BBC presents Miranda Hart - the comedy star that made the successful transition from radio to BBC Television with her own series. Faces of the BBC has more.
Building of the Week - Broadcasting House
Broadcasting House was the UK's first purpose-built home for radio broadcasting and the second comprehensive broadcasting centre in Europe. Read more about this BBC building here. Feature: with thanks to Transdiffusion.
BBC Directors-General
Matt Brittin is the 18th Director-General of the BBC. Matt, former President Google EMEA, takes over the role on 18 May 2026. Our gallery explores the life and times of the leaders of the BBC.
Links
BBC Archive
Hand-picked and popular selections from the BBC archives.
BBC Archive - Youtube channel
Hop aboard an audiovisual time machine, that will transport you back to the golden age of TV.
BBC Programme Index
Explore the BBC’s historical listings information from 1922 to the present day.
Connected Histories of the BBC
A University of Sussex-AHRC research project
British Entertainment History Project
The UK's largest oral history collection of interviews with professionals from across the film, television, radio and theatre industries.
BBC Memory Bank
Giving longstanding and retired staff the opportunity to write their part of the unofficial history of the BBC.
BBC iPlayer from the Archive
The destination to discover the most distinctive content from the BBC's rich archive.
Archive on Four
Brilliant stories told using archive from the BBC and beyond.
