A review by booksrockcal
The BBC: A Century on Air by David Hendy, David Hendy

challenging informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this history of the BBC. Begun in 1922 after WWI, the BBC has become one of the most prominent and respected broadcasters in the world for its news and particularly coverage of events like the Coronation of Elizabeth II, dramatic programs from Dr. Who to Jane Austen to Shakespeare, to its musical offerings. The book provides not just a history of the BBC but a history of modern Britain. I particularly enjoyed the stories of the BBC’s early years, when literary luminaries like Virginia Wolff and George Bernard Shaw read their work on the air. Also fascinating was the discussion of the BBC and its role in WWII ( and how it worked with the government  to determine that role) and its post- war posture particularly in the wake of commercial competition from ITV as well as its attempts to cover sports, music, and drama that appealed to a broad range of Britons. The story of the BBC and its employee’s survival during the Blitz is riveting. I did have to look up some items that the author assumed knowledge of (what is Radio 4 exactly) but that just added to the experience. It was a great read and I enjoyed it immensely.