Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most commonly asked questions concerning BFBS TV broadcasts.

The notes below pertain to BFBS TV's broadcast output. If you wish to contact us about BFBS TV programming or output, please use the feedback form on the Talk to Us page.

1. Can I subscribe to BFBS TV?
2. Why can't I get BFBS2?
3. Why don't BFBS show subtitles on any of their programmes? I am hard of hearing, and I find the subtitles very helpful.
4. How can I advertise a forthcoming event on BFBS?
5. Can I publicise an event on the Weather Forecast?
6. Why are trails seen so often?
7. Why are some trails for adult programmes seen before the watershed?
8. Why can't I receive BFBS at Heidelberg in Germany?

1. No. The television service is only available to British Forces personnel and their families.

2. The second BFBS TV channel was commissioned by the MoD specifically for personnel on deployed operations in the Balkans, with an intention to extend this to other deployed operational areas in due course subject to technical feasibility. The ability to broadcast the second channel is heavily dependent on both satellite coverage and the installation of either 'direct to home' or cable TV systems. Whilst we hope eventually to provide BFBS2 to all locations, we can't at this stage give any sort of timescale for when funding and resources will allow this service to be extended beyond Kosovo and Bosnia.

3. The problem is that the Teletext pages for Germany, Cyprus, Gibraltar etc take up the pages normally allocated in the UK for sub-titles. In short, it seems the addition of sub-titles would mean the removal of the other Teletext pages. Although in the short-term this means it isn't feasible to add sub-titles, we will certainly throw your idea into the pot when it comes to developing our transmission facilities in the not-too-distant future.

4. For garrison community events, Click on the Email Us icon at the top of the radio and television pages and we'll make sure the information reaches the right person. BFBS does not carry commercial advertising.

5. Yes, it may be possible if there is time, but the event needs to be outdoors and capable of being influenced by the weather. Contact the BFBS Presentation Department. A better option would be to include it in the Forces Diary which is shown several times each week.

6. The number of times you see a trail depends on how much TV you watch, but we try not to show the same trail too frequently. Research suggests that a trail needs to be scheduled at least twelve times in order for most viewers to see it on a minimum of three occasions. We do not show trails as often as other UK broadcasters but part of their purpose is to first attract and then remind viewers of a forthcoming programme, so a degree of repetition is intended.

7. Trails should clearly reflect the nature of forthcoming programmes, whilst conforming to general standards of taste and decency. We operate according to Central European Time and endeavour to be careful where they are placed in the schedule. Material deemed unsuitable for younger viewers or of strong content is restricted to appropriate times.

8. There are no BFBS transmitters in that part of Germany.