The BBC Begins as a Broadcasting Company
On October 18, 1922, the British Broadcasting Company was established.
Published · Updated · 1 min read
A Company Is Formed
On October 18, 1922, the British Broadcasting Company was established. This was a foundational business milestone in the development of British radio broadcasting.
Before the Corporation
The early company should not be confused with the later British Broadcasting Corporation. The shared initials can obscure a significant change in the institution’s structure.
Broadcasts Followed
The BBC’s timeline places the beginning of regular London transmissions on November 14. Formation of an organization and the start of its daily service were not the same event.
Radio’s New Audience
Broadcasting connected technical equipment, program production and listeners in their homes. Building a radio institution required arrangements for service and organization as well as transmitters.
A Precise Anniversary
October 18 is most accurately illustrated through early radio equipment and the establishment of the company. A television studio would belong to a later chapter of broadcasting history.
Sources
Found an error? Send a correction. Read our editorial standards.