The BBC - A Case Study, Past and Present.

'BBC News' currently stands as the world's largest broadcasting organisation and produces approximately 120 hours of radio, on-line and televised news coverage a day. The BBC employs around 3,500 members of staff; more than half of which are Journalists. Much of the news produced by the BBC is broadcast from the Television Centre.

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BBC Television Centre where all news is broadcast (above)

Prior to this, the BBC rented out Alexander Palace, London. The British Broadcasting Company first came to life in November 1922 when it produced its first ever radio bulletin, at which point it had four staff members. Radio proved to be a big hit and people often met up regularly to listen to news and sporting events. The commissioning of music and drama meant that popularity for the BBC continued to increase.

BBC News then went on to produce a television service, first aired in 1936.
With more and more people purchasing television sets, it gave the BBC an opportunity to supply people with news and current affairs in a way that they had never managed before.  Despite this proving very popular, in 1939, the BBC suffered problems due to the outbreak of the war. They found themselves under a huge amount of pressure and the Broadcasting House was thought to be a potential target for German bombers. This scary prediction was proved correct in October of the following year. Newsreader, Bill Belfrage was on air in the nine o'clock slot when the bomb hit the building. Due to great professionalism, he continued but was not allowed to react due to strict security reasons. Seven people were killed in the devastation. 

The shocking destruction German bomb left to The Broadcasting House in 1940 (above)

Morale at this time was inevitably low, however the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 meant sales in television sets increased and gave the BBC an opportunity to fight back against the unfortunate events they had encountered. Broadcasting increased rapidly in five years, from thirty hours a week in 1950 through to 50 by 1955. However, for the first time the BBC had competition and what with such a major event due to be broadcast, this made the competition even more daunting. ITV emerged in 1953 and many of the staff working for the BBC swapped to join the newcomer, ITV. This proved difficult for the BBC to overcome. 

However, a change was in sight when the BBC moved to 'The Television Centre' where they remain to this day. This move took place in 1960 and saw the creation of new programmes such as 'The Week That Was', which again boosted the BBC's popularity meaning they were slowly winning the battle against competition. In 1964, the BBC expanded to create BBC Two with the idea that this would work along side BBC One. This was another success for the BBC. However, whilst reporting events such as the Falklands War and the 1984 'Miners Strike', the BBC were heavily criticised for being biased in their reports.

In the late 1990's under the rule of John Birt, the BBC was given a complete re-vamp and many alterations were made. Internet facilities were also launched meaning this offered an alternative method to broadcast news.

Greg Dyke now leads the BBC and has released more channels for children as well as news channels and radio stations for adults, offering daily up-to-date news.