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The British Broadcasting Company was established in 1927, evolving into the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The British Broadcasting Company was established in 1922 and officially became the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1927.
The Marconi Company's 1920 broadcast featuring Dame Nellie Melba was Britain's first live public radio broadcast.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Marconi Company's 1920 broadcast featuring Dame Nellie Melba is recognized as Britain's first live public radio broadcast.
The General Post Office (GPO) proposed forming the British Broadcasting Company as a consortium to encourage unregulated broadcasting expansion.
Answer: False
Explanation: The General Post Office (GPO) proposed forming the British Broadcasting Company as a consortium to prevent unregulated broadcasting expansion and potential interference with communications, not to encourage it.
The BBC's motto, 'Nation shall speak peace unto Nation,' was adopted upon its formation as the British Broadcasting Company in 1922.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's motto, 'Nation shall speak peace unto Nation,' was adopted upon its formation as the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1927, not in 1922.
In the 1930s, the BBC readily broadcast long domestic sports like football and cricket to large audiences.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 1930s, the BBC was reluctant to broadcast long domestic sports like football and cricket, prioritizing other programming.
The BBC launched the world's first fully electronic television system for regular broadcasting in November 1936.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC launched the world's first fully electronic television system for regular broadcasting in November 1936 from Alexandra Palace.
The BBC was among the founding members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC was among the twenty-three founding broadcasting organizations that collectively established the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in 1950.
The BBC's early financial difficulties were primarily solved by government grants.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's early financial difficulties were primarily addressed through reorganizing licence fees and implementing a simple licence fee, not government grants.
The BBC's first experimental television broadcasts used a fully electronic system.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's first experimental television broadcasts utilized John Logie Baird's electromechanical system, not a fully electronic one.
The BBC's early television service alternated between John Logie Baird's system and the Marconi-EMI electronic system.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's early television service alternated between John Logie Baird's electromechanical system and the Marconi-EMI electronic system.
The BBC's 1920 Chelmsford broadcast was banned by the General Post Office due to concerns about interference.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's 1920 Chelmsford broadcast was indeed banned by the General Post Office due to concerns about interference.
In what year did the British Broadcasting Company officially become the British Broadcasting Corporation?
Answer: 1927
Explanation: The British Broadcasting Company officially became the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1927.
What was the main concern of the General Post Office (GPO) regarding broadcasting expansion in the early 1920s?
Answer: Interference with military and civil communications.
Explanation: The General Post Office's primary concern regarding broadcasting expansion was the potential for interference with military and civil communications.
How were the BBC's early financial difficulties, stemming from disappointing set sales, primarily addressed?
Answer: Through a reorganisation of licence fees and the implementation of a simple 10 shillings licence fee.
Explanation: The BBC's early financial difficulties were addressed through a reorganisation of licence fees and the implementation of a simple 10 shillings licence fee.
What is the BBC's official motto, adopted in 1927?
Answer: Nation shall speak peace unto Nation
Explanation: The BBC's official motto, 'Nation shall speak peace unto Nation,' was adopted upon its formation as the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1927.
Which technological system did the BBC use for its expanded television service launched in November 1936?
Answer: A combination of Baird's mechanical system and the Marconi-EMI electronic system.
Explanation: The BBC used a combination of John Logie Baird's mechanical system and the fully electronic 405-line Marconi-EMI system for its expanded television service launched in November 1936.
During the 1926 General Strike, the BBC was shut down due to concerns about its neutrality.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the 1926 General Strike, the BBC played a crucial role as a news source and was not shut down due to concerns about its neutrality.
During World War II, the BBC television service continued broadcasting extensively to maintain national morale.
Answer: False
Explanation: During World War II, the BBC television service was suspended and did not continue broadcasting extensively.
The BBC Polish Service actively broadcast information about the Katyn massacre during World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC Polish Service censored topics related to the Soviet Union, including the Katyn massacre, during World War II to maintain diplomatic relations.
The BBC television service resumed after World War II on June 7, 1946, with Jasmine Bligh being the first person seen on screen.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC television service resumed after World War II on June 7, 1946, with Jasmine Bligh being the first person seen on screen.
The launch of Independent Television (ITV) in 1955 ended the BBC's monopoly on television broadcasting in the UK.
Answer: True
Explanation: The launch of Independent Television (ITV) in 1955 marked the end of the BBC's monopoly on television broadcasting in the UK.
The BBC's 1954 adaptation of 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' had little impact on early television audiences.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's 1954 adaptation of 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' had a dramatic impact on early television audiences due to its powerful depiction of a totalitarian society.
What significant role did the BBC play during the 1926 General Strike?
Answer: It became the primary source of national news as newspaper production halted.
Explanation: During the 1926 General Strike, the BBC became the primary source of national news as newspaper production halted, demonstrating its national reach.
What was the status of BBC television broadcasting during World War II?
Answer: It was suspended for the duration of the conflict.
Explanation: BBC television broadcasting was suspended for the duration of World War II.
What was the significance of the BBC's 1954 adaptation of 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'?
Answer: It had a dramatic impact on early television audiences.
Explanation: The BBC's 1954 adaptation of 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' had a dramatic impact on early television audiences due to its powerful depiction of a totalitarian society.
The 1962 Pilkington Committee report heavily criticized the BBC while praising ITV for its quality programming.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1962 Pilkington Committee report praised the BBC for its quality programming while heavily criticizing ITV.
BBC Radio 1 was created in 1967 to broadcast classical music and jazz.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Radio 1 was created in 1967 to broadcast popular music, not classical music and jazz.
Ceefax, the BBC's teletext service, was introduced to provide live video streaming of news events.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ceefax, the BBC's teletext service, was introduced to provide pages of news, sport, and weather updates, not live video streaming.
The BBC has historically been associated with using only Received Pronunciation (RP) in its programming, with no allowance for regional accents.
Answer: False
Explanation: While historically associated with Received Pronunciation, the BBC now increasingly uses regional accents in its programming to reflect the UK's diversity.
The BBC fully phased out analogue television transmission by December 2012.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC completed the transition away from analogue television transmission by December 2012, aligning with the UK's comprehensive digital switchover.
The BBC's online presence began with the launch of BBC iPlayer.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's online presence began with services like BBC Networking Club in the 1990s, predating the launch of BBC iPlayer.
BBC Radio 4 was originally known as the Third Programme.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Radio 4 was originally known as the Home Service; the Third Programme was a separate service focused on classical music and arts.
The BBC's online service Ceefax was replaced by BBC iPlayer.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ceefax was replaced by the BBC Red Button interactive service, not BBC iPlayer, which is a video-on-demand service.
What was the function of Ceefax, the BBC's teletext service introduced in 1974?
Answer: To display pages of news, sport, and weather updates.
Explanation: Ceefax, the BBC's teletext service, displayed pages of news, sport, and weather updates.
How did the BBC reorganize its radio channels in response to pirate radio stations in the late 1960s?
Answer: It split the Light Programme into Radio 1 (popular music) and Radio 2 (easy listening), and repurposed others.
Explanation: In response to pirate radio, the BBC reorganized its radio channels, splitting the Light Programme into Radio 1 (popular music) and Radio 2 (easy listening), and repurposed others.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is headquartered in Manchester, England.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC is headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England, not Manchester.
The BBC is primarily funded by advertising revenue from its television programs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC is primarily funded by the television licence fee, not by advertising revenue from its television programs.
MI5 vetting of BBC job applicants began in the 1990s and continued until the early 2000s.
Answer: False
Explanation: MI5 vetting of BBC job applicants began much earlier than the 1990s, with significant periods of vetting occurring in earlier decades.
In October 2010, the UK government announced the BBC would take on the full cost of the BBC World Service.
Answer: True
Explanation: In October 2010, the UK government announced the BBC would take on the full cost of the BBC World Service and BBC Monitoring, not just the World Service.
The BBC Board replaced the BBC Trust as the governing body in April 2017.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC Board replaced the BBC Trust as the governing body in April 2017, with Ofcom taking on the regulatory role.
The BBC's Royal Charter emphasizes the prohibition of advertising on its domestic services.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's Royal Charter explicitly emphasizes the prohibition of advertising on its domestic services.
The BBC's main in-house operational divisions are Content and Nations and Regions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's main in-house operational divisions are Content and Nations and Regions.
The BBC's charter mandates that it must broadcast advertisements to generate revenue.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's charter prohibits the broadcasting of advertisements on its domestic services.
The BBC's charter requires it to avoid expressing editorial opinions on current affairs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's charter requires it to avoid expressing editorial opinions on current affairs, maintaining impartiality.
The BBC's current Royal Charter is set to expire on December 31, 2027.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's current Royal Charter is set to expire on December 31, 2027.
The BBC's executive committee is responsible for setting the corporation's overall strategy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC Board is responsible for setting the corporation's overall strategy, while the executive committee oversees day-to-day operations.
How is the BBC primarily funded?
Answer: Primarily by an annual television licence fee.
Explanation: The BBC is primarily funded by an annual television licence fee, which is set by the government and agreed upon by Parliament.
Which government department is responsible for overseeing the BBC's operations under its royal charter?
Answer: The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Explanation: The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for overseeing the BBC's operations under its royal charter.
Following the UK government's October 2010 announcement, what financial responsibility was transferred to the BBC?
Answer: The full cost of the BBC World Service and BBC Monitoring.
Explanation: In October 2010, Chancellor George Osborne announced a freeze on the television licence fee until 2016. Furthermore, the BBC was mandated to assume the complete financial responsibility for the operation of the BBC World Service and BBC Monitoring, alongside contributing to the funding of the Welsh broadcaster S4C.
What replaced the BBC Trust as the governing body of the BBC in April 2017?
Answer: The BBC Board
Explanation: The BBC Board, established in April 2017, superseded the BBC Trust as the corporation's governing body.
Which of the following is a key responsibility of the BBC's executive committee?
Answer: Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the BBC.
Explanation: The executive committee is tasked with managing the BBC's daily operations. Under the chairmanship of the director-general, this committee comprises senior management responsible for operational oversight and service delivery within the strategic parameters established by the BBC Board.
What is the BBC's constitutional basis, outlining its objectives and mission?
Answer: A Royal Charter.
Explanation: The BBC's constitutional basis, outlining its objectives and mission, is its Royal Charter.
What is the BBC's approach to controversial topics in its programming, according to the source?
Answer: To take great care to ensure arguments are well-balanced when broadcasting controversial content.
Explanation: The BBC endeavors to refrain from expressing its own editorial opinions on current affairs or public policy. However, it acknowledges the broadcast of controversial programmes, undertaking meticulous efforts to ensure balanced argumentation in such instances.
Which of the following is NOT listed as an operational division within the BBC?
Answer: Technology and Engineering
Explanation: Technology and Engineering is not listed as one of the main in-house operational divisions of the BBC.
John Reith, the first director-general, aimed to broadcast content that exclusively catered to popular tastes to maximize audience figures.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Reith's vision was to 'inform, educate and entertain,' aiming for high-quality content rather than exclusively popular tastes to maximize audience figures. He advocated for high-quality content and a moral tone.
The BBC's primary goal, the Reithian directive, is to maximize advertising revenue.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's primary goal, guided by the Reithian directive, is to 'inform, educate and entertain,' not to maximize advertising revenue.
The BBC's motto is 'Seek, Serve, Succeed'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's motto is 'Nation shall speak peace unto Nation,' not 'Seek, Serve, Succeed'.
Who was John Reith, and what principle did he establish for the BBC?
Answer: A Scottish Calvinist, appointed general manager, who established the 'inform, educate and entertain' directive.
Explanation: John Reith, a Scottish Calvinist, was the first director-general and established the 'inform, educate and entertain' directive for the BBC.
The BBC's motto 'Nation shall speak peace unto Nation' is incorporated into which official emblem?
Answer: The BBC's coat of arms
Explanation: The BBC's motto, 'Nation shall speak peace unto Nation,' is prominently featured on the BBC's coat of arms.
The 2004 Hutton Inquiry primarily investigated the BBC's handling of the 1936 Berlin Olympics coverage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2004 Hutton Inquiry investigated the BBC's reporting on the Iraq War, not the 1936 Berlin Olympics coverage.
The 'Creative Futures' project, launched in 2005, aimed to expand the BBC's programming output significantly.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Creative Futures' project, launched in 2005, aimed to restructure the BBC for the digital age, creating 'a smaller but fitter BBC,' not to expand programming output.
As part of the 2011 budget cuts, the BBC planned to move BBC Three to Salford.
Answer: False
Explanation: As part of the 2011 budget cuts, the BBC planned to move BBC Three online, not to Salford.
The BBC's 2017-18 report outlined plans to 'reinvent' output to better compete with commercial streaming services.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's 2017-18 report outlined plans to 'reinvent' its output to better compete with commercial streaming services and reflect the UK's diversity.
BBC Chairman Richard Sharp resigned in April 2023 due to allegations of financial mismanagement.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Chairman Richard Sharp resigned in April 2023 following allegations concerning his failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest related to facilitating a loan for Boris Johnson, not general financial mismanagement.
Samir Shah succeeded Richard Sharp as the BBC Chairman in March 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: Samir Shah succeeded Richard Sharp as the BBC Chairman, taking effect from March 4, 2024.
The Trusted News Initiative was launched to combat disinformation related to national elections.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Trusted News Initiative was launched in 2019 as a collaboration to combat disinformation, particularly concerning national elections.
Which of the following was a consequence of the 2004 Hutton Inquiry?
Answer: Senior management resignations, including the Director General.
Explanation: The 2004 Hutton Inquiry critically examined the BBC's journalistic practices and impartiality, particularly concerning its reporting on the Iraq War. The inquiry's findings precipitated the resignations of several senior BBC executives, including Director General Greg Dyke.
What was the primary aim of the 'Creative Futures' project launched in 2005?
Answer: To create 'a smaller but fitter BBC' for the digital age through restructuring and asset sales.
Explanation: Launched in 2005 under Director General Mark Thompson, 'Creative Futures' was a strategic initiative designed to restructure the BBC. Its objective was to cultivate 'a smaller but fitter BBC' for the digital era through measures such as payroll reduction, consolidation of news operations, curtailment of programming output, and the divestment of assets like Television Centre.
What change was announced in October 2011 regarding BBC Three?
Answer: It would move online.
Explanation: In October 2011, it was announced that BBC Three would move online as part of budget cuts.
What was the stated goal of the BBC's 'reinvention' plans announced in its 2017-18 report?
Answer: To better compete with commercial streaming services like Netflix.
Explanation: The BBC's 'reinvention' plans aimed to better compete with commercial streaming services like Netflix and to increase content diversity.
Why did BBC Director General Tony Hall announce a savings target of £800 million per year by 2021?
Answer: To cover the cost of free TV licences for over-75s and rising operational costs.
Explanation: BBC Director General Tony Hall announced a savings target to cover the cost of free TV licences for over-75s and rising operational costs.
What is the purpose of the Trusted News Initiative?
Answer: To collaborate with other organizations to combat disinformation related to national elections.
Explanation: The Trusted News Initiative collaborates with other organizations to combat disinformation, particularly concerning national elections.
What political controversy involving Gary Lineker occurred at the BBC in March 2023?
Answer: He was suspended from 'Match of the Day' after criticizing government asylum policy on social media.
Explanation: In March 2023, the football pundit Gary Lineker faced suspension from the programme 'Match of the Day' following his public criticism of the government's asylum policy via social media.
Richard Sharp resigned as BBC Chairman in April 2023 following reports concerning what?
Answer: Failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest related to facilitating a loan for Boris Johnson.
Explanation: Richard Sharp tendered his resignation as BBC Chairman in April 2023 subsequent to a report revealing his failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest concerning his facilitation of a loan for Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Who succeeded Richard Sharp as the BBC Chairman, taking effect from March 4, 2024?
Answer: Samir Shah
Explanation: Samir Shah assumed the position of BBC Chairman, with his tenure commencing on March 4, 2024. He succeeded Richard Sharp, who resigned in April 2023, and Dame Elan Closs Stephens, who served as interim chairwoman.
BBC Enterprises was established in 1969 to manage the BBC's internal IT infrastructure.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Enterprises was established in 1969 to manage the commercial exploitation of BBC programmes and brands, not for internal IT infrastructure.
The BBC's Research & Development division was responsible for developing the Dolby Digital audio standard.
Answer: False
Explanation: While BBC Research & Development has contributed significantly to broadcasting technology, the development of the Dolby Digital audio standard is not attributed to them.
BBC Radio 6 Music, launched in the 2000s, focuses exclusively on classical music.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Radio 6 Music, launched in the 2000s, focuses on a wide range of alternative music genres, not exclusively classical music.
BBC Studios is a subsidiary responsible for the BBC's internal IT support.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary responsible for exploiting BBC programmes and properties globally, not for managing internal IT support.
The BBC Genome Project aimed to digitize listings of all BBC programmes from 1923 to 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC Genome Project aimed to digitize listings of all BBC programmes from 1923 to 2009, creating an accessible database.
BBC Radio 1Xtra, launched in the 2000s, specializes in classical music and jazz.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Radio 1Xtra, launched in the 2000s, specializes in modern black music genres, not classical music and jazz.
The BBC's partnership with Wimbledon is one of the longest-running in sports broadcasting history.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's broadcast of the Wimbledon Championships represents one of the longest-running partnerships in sports broadcasting history.
BBC Studioworks is responsible for commissioning new television programmes for BBC One.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Studioworks is responsible for operating studio facilities and leasing them to productions, not for commissioning new programmes for BBC One.
BritBox is an online streaming service solely operated by the BBC.
Answer: False
Explanation: BritBox is an international streaming service that is a partnership between the BBC and ITV, not solely operated by the BBC.
BBC News is primarily distributed through satellite services in the UK.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC News is primarily distributed through terrestrial television, radio, and online platforms in the UK, not predominantly through satellite services.
The BBC employs five staff orchestras and a professional choir.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC employs five staff orchestras and a professional choir, contributing significantly to its musical output.
What is BBC Studios?
Answer: A commercial subsidiary responsible for exploiting BBC programmes and properties globally.
Explanation: BBC Studios, established in 2018 through the amalgamation of the BBC's commercial production arm and BBC Worldwide, functions as the BBC's wholly owned commercial subsidiary. Its mandate includes the commercial exploitation of BBC programmes and intellectual property internationally, thereby generating revenue for programme funding.
The BBC Micro computer was part of which initiative?
Answer: The 'BBC Computer Literacy Project'.
Explanation: The BBC Micro computer was integral to the 'BBC Computer Literacy Project,' an initiative designed to educate the public on the burgeoning microcomputer revolution and its societal ramifications.
What is the BBC Genome Project?
Answer: An initiative to digitize listings of all BBC programmes from 1923 to 2009.
Explanation: The BBC Genome Project involved the digitization of programme listings from approximately 4,500 issues of the 'Radio Times' magazine, spanning from its inception in 1923 to 2009. The project's objective was to construct an online repository of the BBC's programme output.
Which of the following is one of the five major national radio stations operated by the BBC?
Answer: BBC Radio 1
Explanation: BBC Radio 1 is one of the five major national radio stations operated by the BBC.
Which BBC show is cited as having a significant cultural impact and topping the BFI TV 100 list?
Answer: Fawlty Towers
Explanation: The BBC show 'Fawlty Towers' is cited as having significant cultural impact, topping the BFI TV 100 list.
What is the primary purpose of BBC Studios in relation to BBC content?
Answer: To commercially exploit BBC programmes and properties internationally.
Explanation: BBC Studios' primary purpose is to commercially exploit BBC programmes and properties internationally.
Which of the following is a digital-only radio station launched by the BBC in the 2000s?
Answer: BBC Radio 6 Music
Explanation: BBC Radio 6 Music is a digital-only radio station launched by the BBC in the 2000s.
What was the purpose of the BBC's 'BBC Computer Literacy Project' in the 1980s?
Answer: To educate the public about the societal impact of microcomputers.
Explanation: The BBC's 'BBC Computer Literacy Project' in the 1980s aimed to educate the public about the societal impact of microcomputers.
What is the primary function of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)?
Answer: To provide a wide range of media services including television, radio, and online content.
Explanation: The BBC's primary function is to provide a wide range of public-service media content across television, radio, and online platforms.