đș 11 Brilliant Facts about The BBC
The BBC – otherwise known as the British Broadcasting Company – is one of the oldest and longest-standing broadcasting enterprises still standing. For around a century, the company and its network of programming, from TV to radio and digital formats, has entertained millions around the world – not just on home soil!
The Beeb, or Auntie, as some call it – is still going strong – and with the 100th anniversary of the BBC in October 2022, itâs safe to say there will plenty more stories and broadcasts to come. Here are some fun facts about the BBC that might entertain you, too!
1. The BBC took to air very quickly.
The BBC first set up on October 18th, 1922 – though they wouldnât broadcast for the first time until November 14th. Even so, thatâs a really quick turnaround – impressive!
2. John Reith was the first head of the Beeb.
John Reith was the first-ever General Manager at the BBC, taking the helm back in December 1922.
3. Itâs a groundbreaking employer on a global scale.
Believe it or not, the BBC employs more people, globally, than any other company or brand worldwide. They are employers of more than 35,000 personnel at present!
4. Time and Relative Dimensions in Space!
The BBC is well-known for its raft of flagship programming and entertainment. Perhaps one of its best-known properties is Doctor Who, a family science fiction series focusing on the exploits of a time and space traveling alien from the planet Gallifrey. The show ran from 1963 to 1989, and has been running since 2005 in its current guise.
5. The BBC helped to bring us Attenboroughâs wonderful programming.
The BBC is, of course, also well-known for bringing legendary nature expert Sir David Attenborough to our screens. His documentaries, such as Blue Planet I and II, and Life on Earth, are regarded as some of the finest TV programmes ever broadcast.
6. The world loves Attenborough!
At the time of writing, three of Attenboroughâs TV shows are ranked in IMDBâs top ten highest-rated TV shows of all time – with Planet Earth II taking the top spot.
7. Practicing for every eventuality.
The BBC has a slightly grim tradition – every year, the broadcaster practices announcements should Queen Elizabeth II pass away. Itâs a process thatâs been in place for many years and will unfold as and when the Queen dies.
8. The BBC appeals to a majority of people.
Despite the diversity of different channels and online entertainment in the modern age, around 96% of people are thought to tune into the BBC to some degree.
9. Enlightened times indeed!
BBC censorship has evolved massively over the years. Did you know, the broadcaster used to have a âgreen bookâ of rules that dictated subjects on which jokes couldnât be made?
10. Dâya like jazz?
The BBC is known for more than just vision alone. The broadcaster is also famous for its extensive radio programming, with its DJs and presenters becoming household names in their own right. In fact, did you know that radio at the BBC used to be purely jazz music? This didnât last long, however!
11. A mission worth sticking to.
Inform, Educate and Entertain – itâs the mission to which the BBC upholds its standards, and itâs the strapline that original GM John Reith established all the way back in the early 1920s.
FAQs about The BBC
Is the BBC owned by the British Government?
The BBC is a public broadcaster - thatâs set up by Royal Charter. This means that itâs funded by a license, which is currently a legal requirement for all TV owners in the UK to pay each year.
Is the BBC accountable to anyone?
The BBCâs trust is accountable to the British Government - meaning there is some accountability in accounts and programming.
Why does the BBC have the nickname âAuntieâ?
It comes from âAuntie Knows Bestâ, a dig at the Beebâs slightly lofty, middle-class approach to broadcasting in the 1950s. Things have changed a little, but the nickname has stuck fast!
Do you know any interesting facts about the BBC? Share them in the comments below!
This page was last modified on April 24, 2022. Suggest an edit