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
Following his victory at the 1955 General Election, Sir Anthony Eden chose to broadcast directly to the nation with a year-one update. Our Anniversaries section has more about the first Television Ministerial Broadcast seen on this day in 1956.
The television elections
Doctor Alban Webb, Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies, University of Sussex, explores the years when television broadened the appeal of the democratic process.
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.
Share Your Memories
Let us know about the BBC programmes that have engaged you over the years. What shows have brought you joy? What would you like to see more or less of? Are there long-forgotten genres you remember that you'd like to see revived? Share your memories here.
Objects of the BBC
The 1950s was a period of huge political change in the UK, yet despite pressure from all sides the BBC strove to balance its output. Author George Orwell was not only a champion of BBC values, he became synonymous with them after a sculpture dedicated to him was unveiled at Broadcasting House in London. Read more in Objects of the BBC.
Faces of the BBC
When Sydney Newman was producing Doctor Who, Tony Hart was the rising artist star of another iconic children's series, Vision On. Faces of the BBC has more.
Building of the Week - BBC Television Theatre
Crackerjack and The Basil Brush Show were just two children's series that came from the legendary Television Theatre in London. Read more about this BBC building here.
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.
