Military media charity British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) has signed a 10-year contract with the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) to revamp the UK Armed Forces’ remote access to media and entertainment.
To do this, BFBS is developing technology to deliver digital media content directly to submarines. The organisation is also reportedly developing a next-generation secure platform that will futureproof media experiences for those who are serving.
This contract builds on more than eight decades of BFBS entertaining the UK Armed Forces. During this time, BFBS has provided up to 16 core channels on the BFBS set top box, and more than 30 channels live and on demand on the BFBS TV Player for those based overseas. The BFBS MiPlayer platform delivers media and entertainment to disconnected environments where there is no internet. It provides access to 12 BFBS TV channels, including UK public service, news, Nepali language, and movies, series, and live sport and radio. It also offers digital newspapers and magazines via its Newsstand featuring podcasts, music specials, and wellbeing resources. It is used in remote land locations and on the Royal Navy and RFA surface fleets.
Further, the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel has more than one million subscribers, while the BFBS Esports Pro League – launched in 2025 – is intended to turn gaming culture in the forces into a competitive ecosystem, as military players enhance skills needed for modern warfare.
Ben Chapman, CEO of BFBS, 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.”
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, stated: “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.”
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