A method and apparatus for providing multi-rate broadcast services in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The present invention takes advantage of the higher capacity of better channels by providing a certain data rate common to all users, while sending additional information to users with better channel conditions. A base station transmits a broadcast message including common information at a basic rate and additional information at a rate higher than the basic rate. The basic rate guarantees successful receipt by all WTRUs in a coverage area and the rate for the additional information is set such that only certain WTRUs with a channel condition above a threshold may decode the additional information successfully. The WTRU decodes the common information and subtracts the common information from received signals to decode the additional information. The additional information may be information supplementing the common information, such as video information.