BBC reporters are sharing what the broadcaster means to them
(Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)The BBC is celebrating 100 years of broadcasting on October 18, 2022, and to celebrate, present and former BBC presenters, actors, and reporters are wishing the organisation a happy birthday.
They are sharing their favourite memories of their time working at the BBC, as well as paying tribute by sharing what the organisation means to them.
On marking 100 years since the BBC was founded, BBC chairman Richard Sharp says: “The BBC is 100 today - it’s a time to celebrate, but also to embrace the future. I believe its best days are ahead.
“We have always innovated, changed, and adapted. Our path has always been guided by the needs of audiences. We are just as mindful of that today as we have always been. By continuing to put the public first, we will continue to inform, educate, and entertain for another century.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie adds: “With the BBC reaching the milestone of 100 years, our mission to inform, educate, and entertain has never been more relevant or needed.
“For a century, the BBC has been a beacon of trusted news and programming across the world, as well as being part of the fabric of the UK and one of its key institutions. It has been a story of a devotion to public service and constant reinvention - which those in the BBC today remain utterly committed to. We exist to serve the public - doing that will guide the next 100 years.”
Find out below what BBC employees have to say about the broadcaster’s centenary.
Tributes to the BBC
Jeremy Bowen, international editor at BBC News, said: “Happy 100th birthday BBC, informing and entertaining me all my life, and my employer since 1984.
“My father was also a BBC journalist, for more than 30 years. My mother took sports photographs in the 60s for BBC Wales. Proud to be a part of the world’s greatest broadcaster.”
Happy 100th birthday BBC, informing and entertaining me all my life, and my employer since 1984. My father was also a BBC journalist, for more than 30 years. My mother took sports photographs in the 60s for BBC Wales. Proud to be a part of the world’s greatest broadcaster
— Jeremy Bowen (@BowenBBC) October 18, 2022
Actor and presenter Ed Petrie said: “Happy 100th birthday BBC! You’re amazing and anyone who thinks otherwise is a right old ninny.”
Happy 100th birthday BBC! You’re amazing and anyone who thinks otherwise is a right old ninny 🎈#BBC pic.twitter.com/3A9FYNBLLe
— Ed Petrie (@edpetrie) October 18, 2022
Presenter Sangita Myska said: “Happy 100th Birthday to the BBC! An extraordinary organisation that we remain, for all its ups and downs, we are very lucky to have; and I’m lucky to have been a part of…”
Happy 100th Birthday to the BBC! An extraordinary organisation that we remain, for all its ups and downs, we are very lucky to have; and I’m lucky to have been a part of… pic.twitter.com/ClxU7pIxVD
— Sangita Myska (@SangitaMyska) October 18, 2022
Former BBC technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones said: Happy 100th Birthday BBC! It’s been a huge part of my family’s history.
“My mum Sylvia Rich joined BBC Bristol in 1941 on £5 10s a week at a time when bombing raids often interrupted broadcasts. She retired from BBC drama in 1974 - 7 years on I began a 40 year career at the BBC.”
Happy 100th Birthday BBC! It’s been a huge part of my family’s history. My mum Sylvia Rich joined BBC Bristol in 1941 on £5 10s a week at a time when bombing raids often interrupted broadcasts. She retired from BBC drama in 1974 - 7 years on I began a 40 year career at the BBC pic.twitter.com/vPFisWroeq
— Rory Cellan-Jones (@ruskin147) October 18, 2022
Warrick Brownlow-Pike, a CBBC presenter, said: “Happy 100th Anniversary BBC! BBC programming is the best in the world and I’m so proud to be part of it!
“CBBC and CBeebies are the most amazing Children’s channels, nowhere else can you get ad free TV for our young audiences. Thanks for all of the amazing memories!”
Happy 100th Anniversary BBC! BBC programming is the best in the world and I’m so proud to be part of it! CBBC and CBeebies are the most amazing Children’s channels, nowhere else can you get ad free TV for our young audiences.
— Warrick (@WarrickBP) October 18, 2022
Thanks for all of the amazing memories!
#BBC100 pic.twitter.com/Q0OgESavzM
TV and radio presenter Stephanie Hirst said: “Happy 100th Birthday to the BBC. My first memories of TV and radio are from the BBC.
“It’s educated, informed & entertained me all my life, & continues to do so. It also gave me the chance to come back to radio when I was deemed ‘untouchable’ for a while.”
Happy 100th Birthday to the BBC.
— Stephanie Hirst (@StephanieHirst) October 18, 2022
My first memories of TV & Radio are from the BBC.
It’s educated, informed & entertained me all my life, & continues to do so.
It also gave me the chance to come back to radio when I was deemed
‘untouchable’ for a while.
Thank you Auntie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BaxXK9lvtE
Elizabeth Rizzini, BBC weather presenter, said: “Happy 100th Birthday to my favourite top organisation!! I used to dream of working here!!”
Happy 100th Birthday to my favourite top organisation!! I used to dream of working here!! #BBC100 #centenary #employeeofthemonth #livingthedream pic.twitter.com/aidagVrOY4
— Elizabeth Rizzini (@lizzieweather) October 18, 2022
BBC News reporter Luxmy Gopal, said: “Happy 100th birthday to the organisation I grew up wanting to work for, and which I’ve somehow been part of for 1/9th of its existence!”
Happy 100th birthday to the organisation I grew up wanting to work for, and which I've somehow been part of for 1/9th of its existence! 🥳🎂🎈 #BBC100 pic.twitter.com/DytLYUhuDH
— Luxmy Gopal (@luxmy_g) October 18, 2022
