24 April 2026: Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has signed a 10-year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to transform the way that UK Armed Forces access trusted media and entertainment, wherever they are serving.
As Defence dominates world headlines, this agreement comes at a crucial moment and demonstrates the importance of BFBS’s services for the British military community worldwide, and for national security.
Ben Chapman, BFBS CEO said: “We are very excited to announce this renewed partnership with the MOD, and to fulfil our mission of uniting the UK Armed Forces and their families with trusted, creative media experiences for the next decade.
“We are living in complex geopolitical times, with Defence at the top of the global agenda, and never has the media landscape been more disrupted. BFBS plays a vital role in supporting the operational readiness and welfare of our military wherever they are serving, and we help to maintain a healthy democracy by ensuring that all those who serve our country have access to trusted, relevant, and secure media.
“We offer incredible value to the UK Armed Forces through our deep relationships with media partners who trust us to make their valuable entertainment, news, and sport content available to those who need it most – all free at the point of delivery.”
Maj Gen (Ret’d) Chris Wilson, Chair of Trustees for BFBS added: “From morale-boosting entertainment during deployments, and free, legal access to premium sport for those overseas, to our trusted, independent Forces News channels covering all aspects of military life, or AI training courses for military partners, BFBS contributes to the retention of personnel and the sustainability of national security.”
BFBS is developing a next-generation secure platform that will transform and futureproof media experiences for those who are serving, and the organisation already celebrates many successes with its channels and products.
The BFBS Forces News YouTube channel has more than one million subscribers, while the BFBS Esports Pro League — launched in 2025 — is helping to turn gaming culture in the forces into a competitive ecosystem, as military players enhance skills needed for modern warfare.
BFBS is also developing technology to deliver digital media content directly to submarines, ensuring that even in one of the most remote environments on Earth, personnel can access entertainment.
This new contract builds on more than eight decades of dedication to connecting and entertaining the UK Armed Forces and strengthens BFBS’s enduring relationship with the MOD to meet the future media needs of the military.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: “BFBS are at the heart of service life, providing our personnel with access to secure, trusted entertainment, ranging from live football matches to the latest movie releases, and keeping our people engaged in Forces life from gaming to developing news.
“This 10-year contract renewal demonstrates our long-term commitment to our people - and will ensure they have media access relevant to their needs, devices and interests, wherever they serve. Our message to our Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.”
See bfbs.com for details of all services and follow BFBS on social media. Visit Forces News YouTube and Forces News for the latest global Defence news and stories.