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
We use the income from the licence fee to provide services including 9 national TV channels - in addition BBC Three, the first TV channel in the world to switch online in 2016 - 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.
We also have 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.
