Abstract

Exploring the early years of the BBC, from it's foundation as a Company to it's growth as a Corporation. This invited keynote examines the emergence of British broadcasting in the early part of the 20th century and the ways in which under John Reith, the BBC created a framework for public serivce broadcasting in the UK. The lecture discusses the role of the BBC during the General Strike and the Second World War and examines the ways in which the BBC built it's global reputation as a radio and later television provider.