The one about the paperback writer…

The paperback edition of my book about the history of radio is available from 27 July 2023. So, as I write this the BBC (originally a Company, later a Corporation) is 101 years old. Born on-air on a foggy November evening in 1922 in the Strand not far from the River (*See footnotes*) Thames, it … Continue reading The one about the paperback writer… →

The art of radio self-satire | Part 6…

I’d like to share a couple of examples of Beeb bashing. Criticising the world's first and - in my opinion - the best public service broadcaster has a long and ignoble tradition. It’s neither a recent thing, nor the exclusive prerogative of some sections of the British national press. So, in this piece I’ve got … Continue reading The art of radio self-satire | Part 6… →

The art of radio self-satire | Part 5…

Over the past few months, in part to recognise the centenary of the BBC, I’ve been reflecting on a history of comedy at the Beeb – and in particular on shows during the past one hundred years that have poked fun at the Corporation itself. But whilst you may consider it to be a perverse … Continue reading The art of radio self-satire | Part 5… →

The art of radio self-satire | Part 4…

This series of articles traces a particular history of BBC comedy – of the shows over the past one hundred years that have poked fun at the Corporation itself. It’s all about the BBC eating itself – and colleagues sacrificing one another on the high alter of satire. Well, at least it makes the audience … Continue reading The art of radio self-satire | Part 4… →

The art of radio self-satire | Part 3…

The question I’m struggling with in this series of articles is: does the BBC have a sense of humour? Individual members of staff certainly do. I’ve worked with some of the best over the years. But what about as a large corporate cultural institution: one that’s up there in British society with the likes of … Continue reading The art of radio self-satire | Part 3… →

The art of radio self-satire | Part 2…

Should a major cultural institution ever be seen to be making fun of itself? This article considers some BBC programmes – all ones on the radio – from the 1930s to the 1950s. It follows on from the first in this series of essays, available to read here, or by clicking on this preview: https://prefadelisten.com/2023/01/14/how-the-bbc-has-spent-decades-satirising-itself-part-1/ … Continue reading The art of radio self-satire | Part 2… →

The art of radio self-satire | Part 1…

Here’s a question to think about. Over the decades, since 1922, has the BBC ever been guilty of taking itself too seriously? If you read some sections of the popular British press - in particular those newspapers who regard the Corporation as the last bastion of a public service broadcasting organisation that needs to be … Continue reading The art of radio self-satire | Part 1… →

100 memories: radio in the rear view mirror

So, 2022 was the centenary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (née Company). Have the celebrations marking events in 1922 passed by unduly quietly? In this article I'll mention a couple of contrasting views about radio broadcasting's first one hundred years. I've spent the last four decades in the industry, and like many of my generation … Continue reading 100 memories: radio in the rear view mirror →

The BBC century: what’s this thing called Radio?…

This article consists of some personal collections and recollections about radio broadcasting and journalism history. There is here a degree of nostalgia, some sarcasm, and a visual representation of the decay of new technological ideas. There is also sadness at recent announcements in the Autumn of 2022 about severe cutbacks to programming on the 39 … Continue reading The BBC century: what’s this thing called Radio?… →

Where ivory towers meet the world of radio…

I’m writing this in the autumn of 2022. It’s the first time in two years that academics have gathered together for their late summer rituals – known as conferences. There’s a whole etiquette to these things. In theory an academic conference is spread over one or two days. It starts with a general talk from … Continue reading Where ivory towers meet the world of radio… →