BBC World Service's Slogans & Taglines

BBC World Service is an international broadcaster owned and operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Founded on December 19, 1932, as the BBC Empire Service, it began broadcasting in English by shortwave to the British Empire, inaugurated with a Christmas message from King George V. In 1938, it launched its first foreign-language service in Arabic, rapidly expanding during the Second World War to broadcast news and coded messages to occupied Europe. Today, it is the world’s largest international broadcaster, reaching approximately 450 million listeners weekly across more than 40 languages via radio, digital platforms, and podcasts. Headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, the service is funded by the UK television licence fee and limited government grants, maintaining a reputation for editorial independence and impartial journalism.

Brand messaging has evolved from Lord Reith’s founding declaration that the service is dedicated to the best interests of mankind to the iconic on-air identifier This is London. The contemporary positioning is anchored by the tagline The World’s Radio Station, reflecting its global mandate and status as a trusted source of news and information worldwide.