The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster with headquarters in London, England. Established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it became the BBC in 1927. It is the oldest national broadcaster and also the world's largest broadcaster, with approximately 21,000 staff. The BBC operates under a royal charter and an agreement with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
The BBC has played a significant role in British culture since its formation. It launched Radio Times in 1923, the first broadcast listings magazine. The BBC is primarily funded by a license fee paid by British residents, which allows it to remain advertisement-free. The BBC has a rich history, including an instance on April 18, 1930, when it announced "There is no news" and played piano music for 15 minutes due to a lack of reportable news. The BBC has also been at the forefront of technological advancements, with the first high-definition television broadcast in 1936. Recently, BBC Studios has renewed its partnership with Big Finish Productions for Doctor Who audio dramas until the end of 2035.
