Broadcasting Britain: 100 Years of the BBC

Broadcasting Britain: 100 Years of the BBC explores a decade-by-decade view of British history through landmark moments in broadcasting, illustrated with images from the BBC archive. First created on 18 October 1922, the BBC is presented here as a force that changed everyday life, bringing radio into homes and shaping a shared sense of community.

Written by Robert Seatter, Head of BBC History, the book charts the intertwined story of a broadcaster and a nation across ten decades. It reflects on how broadcasting has become part of public memory, from major world events to much-loved programmes and cultural moments, including the Moon Landing, the 9/11 attacks, Monty Python, EastEnders, Live Aid and London 2012.

Key details

• Chronological structure, organised year by year and decade by decade
• Concise, essay-style entries focused on selected topics
• “In this year…” timelines tracking significant events and BBC programmes
• Biography boxes featuring key broadcasters and writers
• Quotes from fans and broadcasters summarising the impact of chosen programmes
• Created with exclusive access to the BBC’s archives

Synopsis

Marking 100 years since the BBC’s creation, this volume examines the BBC’s central role in reflecting an ever-changing world. It brings together curated stories that span the breadth and diversity of the BBC, linking national events, popular culture and personal experience through the lens of broadcasting.