About Us

The MBC is currently closed to the public while our new facility is under development. A recent grant from the State of Illinois will allow us to restart construction very soon.

Photo of Edgar Bergen
with Mortimer Snerd
MBC Collection

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Staff Directory

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Mission statement

The mission of the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) is to collect, preserve, and present historic and contemporary radio and television content as well as educate, inform, and entertain the public through its archives, public programs, screenings, exhibits, publications and online access to its resources.

The MBC is an Illinois non-profit corporation that owns and manages two subsidiaries, Museum.TV and the National Radio Hall of Fame (NRHOF) and its website radiohof.org.

Associated Press
Wire Machine from
Nov. 22, 1963
displaying the news
of John F. Kennedy's
Assasination

MBC Collection

Each subsidiary focuses on radio or television and the intellectual foundation of each entity is an encyclopedia—the Encyclopedia of Radio (EOR) and the Encyclopedia of Television (EOT).

Each entity has its own separate Steering Committee, made up of outside members as well as select MBC board members. Each Steering Committee reports to the MBC Board of Directors and each entity produces an annual fund raising benefit ---- the NRHOF Induction broadcast is held each November and MBC Salute is held each spring.

WGN-TV 16mm film reel
MBC Collection

Since 1987 the MBC has offered free access for public learning to a diverse population, with the presentation of over 180 public programs, and through its online users around the world.

A Chicago-based professional staff and volunteers work on each subsidiary, with oversight of each entities' website provided by the MBC board's Online Committee.

The MBC opened to the public in June of 1987 at River City in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood. From 1992 until 2003, the museum was located in the Chicago Cultural Center. A recent grant of $6 million from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will allow us to restart construction very soon.Donations are welcome.

Help build the new MBC

Join our efforts to build a new world-class museum in Chicago.
Click here to donate now.

Search our Archives

More than 8,500 digitized TV and radio programs are available once again for public viewing in the MBC archives.
Search the archives!

Buy DVDs in our store

Starting or adding to your TV on DVD collection is the best way to enjoy your favorite shows. Choose from over 5,000 TV on DVD series, seasons, episodes and soundtracks.
Visit the MBC store now!

Encyclopedia of TV

Own the most extensive look at the history of television. Relive great moments and learn about the people and shows that made television what is today.
Purchase the 2nd edition now!

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