History of the BBC
Explore the history of the BBC since its foundation in 1922 to the present day
Explore the BBC’s rich history - uncover the stories behind topical anniversaries, delve into fascinating objects from our diverse collections, or take a deeper look through one of our long‑form articles.
And tell us your memories of what the BBC means to you.
Anniversaries
On this day in 1956 the first ever Eurovision Song Contest took place. Switzerland hosted the show and it proved hugely popular with viewers. Image: Lys Assia, winner of the first contest which came from Lugano. Ⓒ SRG/SSR.
Eurovision at 70
Eurovision is celebrating a milestone moment this year - 70 years of great songs, hilarious acts and larger than life performances. The Eurovision Song Contest gave new focus to the Eurovision network which went live for the first time in May 1956.
Attenborough 100
Sir David Attenborough is 100, and, to mark the occasion, BBC History has opened up the BBC Archives to bring you some extraordinary insights into the life of the legendary natural history broadcaster.
The BBC and the General Strike
When the Trades Union Congress called for a General Strike in the UK 100 years ago, few thought of the BBC as a news organisation. David Hendy, Professor Emeritus, University of Sussex explores why that perception was about to change forever.
Faces of the BBC
Cliff Richard is seen here on the set of the Billy Cotton Band Show in 1962. Cliff's Eurovision links are fascinating - he performed in the 1968 and 1973 contests but never secured a win. Faces of the BBC has more.
Building of the Week - Television Centre
The 1963 Eurovision Song Contest came live from three studios at the BBC's Television Centre. For one night the state-of-the-art studios were showcased across Europe. This is our building of the week.
Share Your Memories
Do you have a favourite David Attenborough or Eurovision moment? Which shows have brought you joy? What would you like to see more or less of? Share your memories here.
BBC Directors-General
Matt Brittin is the new Director-General of the BBC. 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.
