The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is perhaps the most famous radio broadcaster in the world. Its five national networks (Radios 1,2,3,4 and 5-Live), five digital national networks (Asian Network, 6music, BBC7, 5-Live Sports Extra, 1Xtra), combined with its three ‘nations’ services (Radio Scotland, Ulster and Wales), its two National Language services BBC Cymru and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal, and 43 local radio stations in England, make up over 50% of all radio listening. The BBC’s domestic radio services are funded by the television licence, which is (February 2005) charged at £121 (€175, $229) per year. The BBC does not broadcast paid-for advertising, but promotes its own services using similar methods.
The BBC World Service is funded by the Foreign Office and is, like the rest of the BBC, editorially independent. Certain BBC World Service broadcasts are available in the UK. The English service is carried on all digital platforms and is also audible in South East England on 648MW. A mix of other language broadcasts including Arabic and Persian are carried on digital satellite. Programming is centred on global news reporting and analysis with documentaries, science, arts and drama – all aiming to foster a global conversation.
Source: Media UK
