The BBC Story: From Radio Pioneer to Global News Giant

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has been a defining part of British life for more than a century. Established in 1922 under a royal charter, it is a publicly funded broadcaster through the UK’s television license fee.

The BBC’s mission has been to inform, educate, and entertain, reaching millions through its television, radio, and digital services in the UK and worldwide.

Over the decades, it has chronicled major national and global events, from royal addresses and state ceremonies to wars, elections, and scientific breakthroughs. It has also helped shape modern media culture, launching the careers of leading journalists, presenters, and cultural figures such as Sir David Attenborough.

However, the BBC’s central role has often placed it under scrutiny. Questions about editorial balance, political influence, and accountability have emerged repeatedly, most recently in relation to its handling of a documentary featuring U.S. President Donald Trump.