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.
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Anniversaries
October 1922 was when broadcasting in the UK began. The first programme came from the Wireless Telegraph Company in Chelmsford. Find out more about the early years of radio here. -
Black History Month
Broadcasting to the Caribbean has long been a part of the BBC’s international activity. It drew on the talents of some remarkable individuals. David Hendy, Emeritus Professor at the University of Sussex explores some unique output that had huge cultural impact. -
Opening Doors
In 1973, the BBC launched Open Door, a first for 'access' TV in the UK, allowing marginalized communities to speak directly to audiences. David Hendy Emeritus Professor, University of Sussex explores this groundbreaking show. Image: Stuart Hall presented Open Door - It Ain't Half Racist, Mum in 1979. -
Pobol y Cwm at 50
Welsh-language soap opera Pobol y Cwm was first broadcast on BBC One Wales 50 years ago this week. Celebrate with our memories of The Deri Arms - the pub at the heart of a community. -
Objects of the BBC
The UK's first ever radio station began broadcasting from a transmitter on the roof of Selfridges department store. Our Objects of the BBC collection has more. -
Faces of the BBC
‘John is so close to my heart, he’s a part of me’ says Idris Elba of the character he played in the dark drama Luther. It's another stunning image in our Faces of the BBC collection. -
Call the Midwife - calling all fans!
Costume wearing, baking vintage recipes, whatever you do as a fan of Call the Midwife we want to showcase what you do. Click to find out more. -
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. Image: Image: ffotoNant. -
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.
Links
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BBC Archive
Hand-picked and popular selections from the BBC archives. -
The Researchers
Features by academics from across the world looking at a wide range of BBC related subjects. -
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.
