The BBC is the world’s leading public service broadcaster. Its mission is to enrich people’s lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain

Established by a Royal Charter, the BBC is a public service broadcaster funded by the licence fee paid by UK households. The BBC uses the income from the licence fee to provide services including 10 national TV channels plus regional programming, 10 national radio stations, 40 local radio stations and an extensive website.

BBC World Service broadcasts to the world on radio, on TV and online, providing news and information in 27 languages and world service English language.

The BBC also has a commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, as well as a number of other commercial ventures. Profits from these activities are returned to the BBC for investment in new programming and services.