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History of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Explore the history of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ since its foundation in 1922 to the present day

Explore more than 100 years of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s history – click on our interactive timeline or investigate a topical anniversary, unpack the story of fascinating objects from our varied collections, or go in-depth via one of our long-form articles.

And tell us your memories of what the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ means to you.

  • Relive the iconic "doof doof" moments, sneak behind the scenes, and experience all that is great about EastEnders in its 40th year!
  • Camaraderie and Conflict at the Coalface - 20 years of The Apprentice

    David Hendy, Emeritus Professor at the University of Sussex celebrates twenty years of The Apprentice, with a brief history of ‘the workplace’ on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ.
  • Anniversaries

    The first time that General Election results were broadcast on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ television was on 23 February 1950. The run up to that first live broadcast was frenetic - never before had such a programme been attempted. Read more here.
  • In 1925 the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ radio's first 'national' transmitter came into service, meaning most of the UK was now covered by a new and exciting medium. Former ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio producer Beaty Rubens examines the impact radio had on a new nation of listeners.
  • Throughout 2025 the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ celebrates 100 years of the Shipping Forecast. Start your journey with our online history of 'the ships' here.
  • The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ was a founding member of the European Broadcasting Union back in February 1950. Dr. Alban Webb, Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies, University of Sussex, explores its lofty ambitions emerging from the end of the war years.
  • Faces of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ marks early election coverage with an image of a broadcasting legend - Robin Day. Read more about him in our pictures collection.
  • Objects of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

    This is the ornamental dog that Chrissie Watts in EastEnders used to kill off 'Dirty Den' Watts, in February 2005. That year the show was just 20 years old! Read more about this and our other Objects of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ here.
  • Tell us your recollections of past ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ programmes. How have these shows or series informed or entertained you or a relative over the years?
  • ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Exhibitions

    Look out for events and exhibitions showcasing ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ entertainment, science, and war programming, international broadcasting, and vintage radio and TV equipment. Image: Image: ffotoNant.
  • ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Archive

    Hand-picked and popular selections from the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ archives.
  • The Researchers

    Features by academics from across the world looking at a wide range of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ related subjects.
  • Explore the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s historical listings information from 1922 to the present day.
  • A University of Sussex-AHRC research project
  • The UK's largest oral history collection of interviews with professionals from across the film, television, radio and theatre industries.
  • Giving longstanding and retired staff the opportunity to write their part of the unofficial history of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ.
  • ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer from the Archive

    The destination to discover the most distinctive content from the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's rich archive.
  • Archive on Four

    Brilliant stories told using archive from the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and beyond.

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