Broadcasting Authorities

Abstract

The British Broadcasting Company Ltd was formed by some 200 manufacturers and shareholders on 18 Oct 22, registered on 15 Dec 22, and received its licence on 18 Jan 23. A system of paid licences for owners of radio receivers was started in 1922. London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle stations began to operate in November and December, 1922. This was followed by the establishment of the British Broadcasting Corporation under royal charter (20 Dec 26), which came into operation on 1 Jan 27. It was to be a public service body ‘ acting in the national interest ’ and financed by licence fees paid by all owners of radio receivers. (A formal agreement with the Postmaster General had been drawn up on 9 Nov 26.) Under the royal charter the B.B.C. was granted a licence for ten years and was to be directed by a board of governors nominated by the government. The charter was renewed and modified 1 Jan 37, 1 Jan 47, 1 Jul 52, 30 Jul 64. It was extended until 31 July 1979 in 1976 (Cmnd. 6581). In April 1979 it was extended for a further period until 31 Jul 1981.