The BBC has had a website for information about its TV and radio programs since 1994 , but did n't launch officially as BBC Online until December 1997 , following government approval to fund it by TV licence fee . The BBC has had an online presence supporting its TV and radio programs and web-only initiatives since 1994 but did not launch officially until December 1997 , following government approval to fund it by TV licence fee revenue as a service in its own right .