Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) in the UK has been foundational in shaping the country’s media landscape, primarily through the BBC. Established in 1922, the BBC was initially a private entity but quickly evolved into a public corporation under a Royal Charter in 1927. Under the leadership of its first General Manager, Lord John Reith, the BBC developed its public service mission based on the principles to “inform, educate, and entertain.” This vision was intended to create programming that catered to the public interest, serving audiences across the UK with impartial and high-quality content.

​

Lord Reith believed that broadcasting should provide a service beyond mere entertainment, seeing it as a way to enrich the lives of citizens by providing access to news, culture, education, and entertainment. This ethos of inclusivity and service to the public became known as the Reithian ideals, and it has influenced the BBC’s output for over a century. Funded primarily through a television license fee, the BBC is able to operate free from commercial pressures, allowing it to focus on programming that serves a diverse public rather than shareholder interests.

​

As technology advanced, the BBC expanded into various media, launching BBC Radio and later television services, all while maintaining its PSB principles. In recent years, the digital age has prompted further expansion into streaming, podcasting, and online content to reach an audience increasingly inclined toward digital media.

Despite its success, the BBC has faced challenges from commercial broadcasters and streaming giants like Netflix, leading to ongoing debates over the role and funding of PSB. However, the BBC has adapted by integrating digital services like BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds to provide on-demand access to content. Even with these changes, the BBC remains committed to Reith’s vision, providing a diverse mix of news, drama, documentaries, and educational programming.

​

As the UK’s primary PSB, the BBC continues to operate under a Royal Charter, which is reviewed every 10 years. The current Charter, effective from 2017, reaffirms the BBC’s commitment to “inform, educate, and entertain” while adapting to meet the demands of a rapidly changing media landscape and the expectations of contemporary audiences.

​

10 Questions to Check Learning

1. What year was the BBC established, and what was its initial purpose?

2. Who was the first General Manager of the BBC, and what core principle did he introduce?

3. What does “inform, educate, and entertain” mean in the context of public service broadcasting?

4. What is the significance of the Royal Charter in defining the BBC’s purpose?

5. How is the BBC funded, and why is this funding model important for PSB?

6. Describe the Reithian ideals and their impact on BBC programming.

7. How did the BBC expand its services as technology advanced?

8. What digital platforms has the BBC introduced to reach modern audiences?

9. What are some of the challenges the BBC faces in today’s media environment?

10. When is the BBC’s Royal Charter reviewed, and why is this review important?