BBC Handbooks, Annual Reports, and Accounts, 1927–2002 - Key Data

The British Broadcasting Company became the British Broadcasting Corporation on 1 January 1927. This institution quickly became an iconic part of British culture. The BBC established its reputation as an indispensable broadcaster and pioneered an influential role in global broadcasting, becoming the oldest and largest major broadcaster. Funding for the BBC comes primarily from taxation, which has led to increased public scrutiny concerning its objectives and spending. In response, the BBC has deemed it necessary to publish an annual report explaining what it does and why. These handbooks are included in this fascinating collection, thereby providing key insights into the internal workings of the BBC.

This collection contains the annual reports, as well as accounts, that were published by the BBC between 1927 and 2002. In addition, the collection includes a review of each year’s public service broadcasting, with detailed schedules, audience research, performance and objective tables, commentaries, and editorials. Together, these sources provide students, educators, and researchers with a unique opportunity to explore the social and cultural forces that shaped the BBC, as well as Britain and the wider world, throughout much of the twentieth century.  

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