FAQs

What is BFBS?

BFBS is the British Forces Broadcasting Service and incorporates television and radio services for the British Forces in the UK and around the world. BFBS TV and Radio are considered one of the most important arms of the MOD's welfare services for its soldiers, sailors, airmen and women and their dependants.

Who runs BFBS?

BFBS is run by SSVC (the Services Sound & Vision Corporation), a charity, under contract to the Ministry of Defence. 

Who pays for BFBS?

The MOD funds the BFBS Broadcasting Contract for Radio and Television overseas.  However SSVC funds additional channels from its charitable resources as an enhancement to Forces welfare.

I'm an ex-pat. Can I watch BFBS TV?

No. The television service is only available to British Forces personnel and their families. You can however watch  BFBS Reports online.

In which countries does BFBS TV broadcast?

See our Country Guide.

Why doesn't BFBS show subtitles?

BFBS programmes are recorded "off-air" in the UK and then re-transmitted according to the BFBS schedule. We can only record the audio and video, and cannot capture the data, which generates the subtitles.

Can I advertise on BFBS?

BFBS does not carry commercial advertising.  To publicise garrison community events, Click here.

Why are trails seen so often?

The number of times you see a trail depends on how much TV you watch, but we try not to show the same trail too frequently. Research suggests that a trail needs to be scheduled at least twelve times in order for most viewers to see it on a minimum of three occasions. Their purpose is to first attract and then remind viewers of a forthcoming programme, so a degree of repetition is intended.