HISTORY OF BERMUDA BROADCASTING COMPANY
Since its establishment in 1958, the Bermuda Broadcasting Company (BBC) has stood as a steadfast cornerstone in Bermuda’s media landscape. As one of the island’s pioneering and most esteemed media establishments, our mission has remained unwavering – to deliver authentic local news, captivating entertainment, and vital information to the diverse community we proudly serve.
Nestled within the heart of Bermuda, the BBC often enjoys a familiar local abbreviation, “BBC.” However, it is important to note that this abbreviation marks our unique identity, separate from the renowned BBC of the United Kingdom.
Operating as a commercial, for-profit broadcasting enterprise since its inception in the 1950s, our journey has been guided by the visionary leadership of Fernance B. Perry, a legacy that continued until his passing.
The Bermuda Broadcasting Company proudly owns radio stations and TV stations under the call letters “ZFB” and “ZBM.” The iconic ZBM callsign, rooted in Bermuda’s history, dates back to 1953, signifying an AM radio station. Since 1962, it has also represented an FM radio station and, notably, since 1958, the island’s first Bermudian television station. The callsign “ZFB,” originally associated with the Capital Broadcasting Company from 1965 to 1984, further underscores our enduring legacy in Bermuda’s media evolution.
At the core of our operation lies the broadcast of two dynamic television channels. Seamlessly weaving together local and global narratives, our broadcasts offer a spectrum of content – from the latest local developments to far-reaching international news, from riveting entertainment programs to enlightening talk shows. This intricate blend ensures our programming resonates with the diverse tastes of the Bermuda audience.
The CBS Network is exclusively broadcasted by BBC via ZBM, while ZFB holds the exclusive rights for local CBS Network broadcasts.
In tandem with our television presence, our radio stations offer a diverse array of programming. From up-to-the-minute news updates to an eclectic array of music, stimulating talk shows to a celebration of our island’s cultural heritage, our radio waves amplify the voices of Bermuda.
Integral to our mission is the pivotal role we play in delivering comprehensive local news coverage. Our dedicated team diligently reports on a spectrum of events, progressions, and matters of significance unfolding within Bermuda. Through this commitment, we empower our community with timely information, facilitating a profound connection to the heartbeat of our island.
Our ever growing online presence, encompassing our website and dynamic social media profiles, empowers the BBC to reach a broader audience. These digital platforms enable us to cater to diverse preferences, presenting content that resonates with contemporary audiences.
The BBC is more than a mere broadcasting outlet; we are active participants in community engagement. Beyond the airwaves, we champion local events, provide unwavering support to charitable initiatives, and nurture a sense of local identity and pride that resonates throughout Bermuda. Our influence extends beyond the realm of media, forging connections that weave the community together.
Our robust online presence, encompassing our website and dynamic social media profiles, empowers the BBC to reach a broader audience. These digital platforms enable us to cater to diverse preferences, presenting content that resonates with contemporary audiences.
To every individual who has tuned in, engaged, and contributed to our journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. You are the heartbeat of Bermuda Broadcasting, and our journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, the significance of storytelling, and the profound impact of media on shaping societies.
As we eagerly anticipate the chapters yet to be written, our dedication to our purpose remains resolute. We encourage you to embrace our motto “Be Seen, Be Heard”, symbolizing our mission to serve as a beacon of information, a source of inspiration, and a bridge that connects the past, present, and future of Bermuda.
Thank you for being an integral part of our story – a story that is both timeless and ever-evolving. Together, we illuminate, inspire, and shape the legacy that is uniquely Bermuda.