British radio includes over 350 stations, with the number growing by about 100 in the last decade. The BBC operates over 40 public stations, accounting for about 50% of radio listening in the UK. Commercial radio, which began in the 1970s, now includes over 300 private stations. Digital platforms are extending radio's reach, with digital radio now accounting for 18% of commercial listening. Regulation of both public and commercial radio is overseen by media regulatory body Ofcom.