Today, BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) proudly marks BFBS TV’s 50th anniversary. First launched on 18th September 1975 in Celle, West Germany, this golden milestone coincides with the Royal Television Society’s (RTS) Cambridge Convention at King’s College, a fitting stage to celebrate five decades of trusted partnerships, delivering top-quality television to the UK Armed Forces and their families overseas.
On its inaugural broadcast Hilary Osborn declared:
“It is a historic moment for us in BFBS as we open up our first television service.” From a 30-foot mobile control room at Trenchard Barracks, with content support and engineering expertise from the BBC and ITV contractor London Weekend Television, BFBS TV began transmitting UK programmes abroad.
From tape distribution in 1975 in Celle, to live news and sports via a bespoke microwave link in the 1980’s – stretching from Wembley across northern, eastern and western Europe, eventually reaching West Berlin – to satellite coverage in the 1990’s and the introduction of multi-channel and initial live services for the Royal Navy, BFBS TV has consistently adapted to meet the needs of its audience.
The launch of secure streaming in 2014, followed by on-demand services in 2018 brought BFBS TV into the digital era, offering over 2,000 hours of content to browse, and up to 40 live channels wherever personnel are posted. This includes bespoke edge solutions enabling streaming, catch-up TV, audio and digital print offerings, whether at sea or in locations where connectivity is limited.
As of 2025, BFBS TV works with more than 20 trusted partners including British public service broadcasters, subscription TV and streaming platforms, international studios and sports rights holders, all supporting the service in reaching armed forces communities overseas.
Ben Chapman, CEO of BFBS, said:
“Celebrating 50 years of BFBS TV at the RTS Convention was a powerful moment to honour our history and thank the studios, stakeholders, and teams whose outstanding content and collaborative partnerships have kept the UK Armed Forces connected for half a century. We also raised a glass to every colleague who has made this possible.”
Adam Hardwick, Deputy Director of BFBS TV & Cinemas, added:
“Reaching this milestone is about recognising the breadth of services BFBS TV delivers today. From live sports, movies and series to trusted news, children’s content and so much more, we’re proud to offer a service that continues to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of the armed forces community wherever they are deployed or posted.”
More information on BFBS TV can be found here.
