The British Broadcasting Corporation (the BBC) was formed on 18 October 1922. It was created by a group of wireless operators, including Marconi, and began daily broadcasting on 14 November 1922. On 14 December 1922, John Reith was appointed as the first general manager of the BBC. Although Reith had no rules or standards to guide him, he soon began to expand the service.
The BBC was funded, not by advertising, but by a licence fee that everyone with a radio, and later a television, had to pay. This public service model created a unique national institution that still lasts to this day. The BBC is now the largest broadcaster in the world, with a staff of more than 23,000, 10 UK TV channels, 59 local radio stations and a strong internet presence. The BBC accounts for more than 30% of all television viewing in the UK today.
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