In short
- Broadcasting House is in Central London.
- Television Centre is a historic studio in West London.
- Broadcasting House handles news and radio.
In this article
When planning a trip to see London's media landmarks, it helps to know which building is which. Both locations have played major roles in British broadcasting, but they serve completely different purposes today.
What is the main difference between the two?
Broadcasting House is the current central headquarters for radio and news, while Television Centre is a historic West London studio.
Broadcasting House is located on Portland Place near Oxford Circus. It houses BBC Radio, News, and the World Service. Over 6,000 staff members work in this central hub. Television Centre is known for television production and sits across the city in West London.
Where are they located in London?
Broadcasting House is in Central London, and Television Centre is in West London.
You will find Broadcasting House in the busy Oxford Circus area. It is a 5-minute walk north from the Oxford Circus London Underground station. Television Centre is a historic site located much further west, away from the central tourist district.
| Feature | Broadcasting House | Television Centre |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Central London (Portland Place) | West London |
| Main Focus | Radio, News, World Service | Historic TV Studios |
| Status | Active headquarters | Historic site |
Can you take a tour of BBC Broadcasting House?
No, general public tours of Broadcasting House were permanently discontinued in 2016.
Security protocols limit indoor access. Between 2019 and 2024, the building faced 119 protests. Because of this, the Media Cafe and public reception areas are completely closed to unvetted visitors. You cannot walk in for a tour.
How do you get inside Broadcasting House?
You must book free tickets to be part of a live studio audience at the BBC Radio Theatre.
This is the only way the public can enter the building. Ticketed guests pass through airport-style security. If you do not have a ticket, you can still view the 1932 Art Deco exterior from the street.
Which building has the large newsroom?
Broadcasting House is home to the largest live newsroom in Europe.
You can see this newsroom from the street. The New Broadcasting House extension opened in 2013 after a £1 billion project. It features ground-floor windows that provide a street-level glimpse of journalists working inside.
Which location is better for taking photos?
Broadcasting House offers great exterior photo opportunities right in Central London.
The original building is a Grade II* listed architectural landmark. It stands 34 meters (112 feet) tall and is shaped like a ship's prow. You can photograph the famous 1932 sculptures of Prospero and Ariel carved by Eric Gill above the entrance.
Questions travellers ask
Is BBC Television Centre the same as Broadcasting House?
No. Broadcasting House is the central London headquarters for news and radio. Television Centre is a historic television studio complex in West London.
When was Broadcasting House built?
The original building opened on May 15, 1932. It was the first purpose-built broadcast center in the United Kingdom.
What Tube station is closest to BBC Broadcasting House?
Oxford Circus station is a 5-minute walk away. Great Portland Street station is an 8-minute walk away.
