"Memores acti, prudentes futuri"
Introduction and History
Created by the 1917 Airwaves Act, the Glascovian Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) began humbly as Imperial Bureau of Radio Telegraphy and Signals, a shortwave civilian radio service and a longwave military communications array. Early broadcasts began in 1919 from IBRTS stations in Cansæ, Sciiamchiamensis, and Iacca; despite its fledgling status, the network grew rapidly as devoted listeners tuned in for high-quality music and radio plays. Even in its infancy, the IBRTS placed a strong emphasis on journalistic excellence and integrity; the caliber of its news bulletins, presented every hour on the hour, perhaps played the most important role of propelling the rapid growth of the network.
Fervent popular support led the Imperial Congress to reorganize the IBRTS as the modern Glascovian Broadcasting Corporation during 1925. Smaller stations began sprouting up in towns like Vallis Gratiæ, permitting hitherto isolated communities to engage the world around them. When FM radio made its debut in 1933, the GBC was an early adopter of the technology, allowing it to produce stronger, clearer broadcasts that could reach hundreds of thousands more listeners. During this period, the average daily reach of the GBC was nearly 70% of the adult population.
1938 witnessed further reform for the GBC. Popular concerns about Imperial interference with the news media prompted Congress to divorce itself from the governance and daily workings of the GBC by establishing the Board of Trustees for the Glascovian Broadcasting Corporation. Though the Board of Trustees remains accountable to Congress and the consul, the institutional distancing of the GBC from Congress helps ensure that the former remains free of undue influence.
GBC headquarters in Cansæ.
After World War II, consumers began their love affair with television, and the GBC was quick to respond. On 13 September 1957, GBC first began color television broadcasts, transmitting long-wave television signals throughout Glascovia and surrounding countries.
The comfortable monopoly that the GBC enjoyed was shattered in 1971, when the commercial, independently-operated Zelandian Television Network (ZTN) began broadcasts from Volaterræ, Glascovia. Consumer opinion still favored the GBC, however, and the Congressional Select Committee on the Expansion of the Airwaves elected to award the GBC a larger chunk of the spectrum, permitting the GBC to expand its channel line-up considerably.
The GBC Today
Today, the GBC offers some of the world's finest digital television and satellite radio in dozens of languages. Our full offerings are presented below:
Radio
- GBC Imperial Service—the GBC's flagship radio station, the Imperial Service focuses on news, current affairs, and documentaries.
Television
- GBC News—constant international news programming. Notable programs include: Global International Business Report, an overview of the day's financial news; The World Today, a half-hour, in-depth analytical look at current issues; and International Sport, an overview of the latest in global sports.
- GBC One—the GBC's finest, critically-acclaimed content. GBC One is currently home to: The Aurelio Zen Mysteries, Government House, and Archer.
- GBC Two—documentaries, educational programming, and culture-oriented broadcasts. Among GBC2's current offerings are: The Cansæ Metropolitan Opera Presents, Planet Earth, and Battleplan.
- GBC Three—vintage drama and programming, including Hawaii Five-O, Seinfeld, and Monty Python's Flying Circus.
- GBC Four—children's programming, including Ave Elmo! and Hello Moon.
- GBC Five—films, comedy, and new drama, including Little Glascovia and Schlupping Around.
- GBC Finance—24/7 coverage of financial markets and major business transactions.
- GBC Weather—24/7 coverage of meteorology and weather forecasts.
- GBC Congress—broadcasts of Imperial government proceedings and other public affairs programming
Receiving the GBC
The GBC is proud to begin extending service to foreign countries, either directly or through a partnership with another broadcaster. If you're interested in subscribing to the GBC, please complete one of the applications below:
Foreign governments:
- Code: Select all
Short-form country name:
Official name of country:
Appropriate regulatory body:
Requested channels:
Language of broadcasts:
Acceptable locations for news bureaus/studios:
Foreign broadcasters:
- Code: Select all
Name of company:
Type of provider (satellite/cable/etc.):
Requested channels:
Language of broadcasts:
Please note that all of the GBC's foreign broadcasts are commercially supported, since the Glascovian television license fee does not extend to international transmissions. If you are willing to provide the GBC with a share of television or subscription fees, the GBC may be able to reduce or eliminate the presence of advertisements in your broadcasts.
Moreover, the GBC will not, under any circumstance, broadcast in a country where its transmissions would be censored or altered in any way. Please bear this in mind when requesting service.
Current Subscribers and Partners:
Foreign Bureaus and Studios:
- Kings Harbor, Phoenixia—GBC Finance news desk
- Ahri Beach, New Ecopia—GBC Weather meteorological monitoring station
