First published 1975. Covers the period, 1927-1939, from the BBC's establishment as a public corporation, to the outbreak of war

This is part of a five-volume set on the history of broadcasting in the UK. It provides an exhaustive chronicle of the BBC's activities, achievements and personnel.

Five-volume history of broadcasting in the UK. Together the volumes give an authoritative account of the rise of broadcasting in this country. Though naturally largely concerned with the BBC it does give a general history of broadcasting, not simply an institutional history of the BBC. Vol 1. - The birth of broadcasting - covers early amateur experiments in wireless telephony in America and in England, the pioneer days at Writtle in Essex and elsewhere, and the coming of organized broadcasting and its rapid growth during the first four years of the BBC's existence as a private Company before it became a public Corporation in January 1927. - Vol 2. - The golden age of wireless - covers the period from the beginning of 1927, when the BBC ceased to be a private company and became a public corporation, up to the outbreak of war in 1939. - Vol 3. - The war of words - covers the period from 1939 to 1945, is concerned not only with the impact of the Second World War on the structure, organization, and programmes of the BBC, it also deals directly with the role of the BBC outside as well as inside Britainches - Vol 4. - Sound and vision - The ten years following the end of the Second World War were critical years in the history of British broadcasting. They witnessed the rise of television and the end of the BBC's monopoly. - Vol 5. - Competition - continues the monumental history of broadcasting in the UK over a period of 20 years, from 1955 to the mid 1970s.

This is an accessible and concise history of British radio and television. The book considers the nature and evolution of broadcasting, the growth of broadcasting institutions and the relation of broadcasting to a wider political and social context. Beginning with the genesis of radio at the turn of the century, Crisell discusses key moments in media history from the first wireless broadcast in 1920 to the present. Key topics covered include: * The establishment of the BBC in 1927 * The general strike, notions of public service broadcasting and the cultural values of the BBC * Broadcasting in wartime * The heyday of radio in the 1940s and 1950s and the rise of television * BBC2, Channel 4 and minority television * The changing role of radio in a television age * The convergence of broadcasting and other media * Future issues for broadcasting

Five-volume history of broadcasting in the UK. Together the volumes give an authoritative account of the rise of broadcasting in this country. Though naturally largely concerned with the BBC it does give a general history of broadcasting, not simply an institutional history of the BBC. Vol 1. - The birth of broadcasting - covers early amateur experiments in wireless telephony in America and in England, the pioneer days at Writtle in Essex and elsewhere, and the coming of organized broadcasting and its rapid growth during the first four years of the BBC's existence as a private Company before it became a public Corporation in January 1927. - Vol 2. - The golden age of wireless - covers the period from the beginning of 1927, when the BBC ceased to be a private company and became a public corporation, up to the outbreak of war in 1939. - Vol 3. - The war of words - covers the period from 1939 to 1945, is concerned not only with the impact of the Second World War on the structure, organization, and programmes of the BBC, it also deals directly with the role of the BBC outside as well as inside Britainches - Vol 4. - Sound and vision - The ten years following the end of the Second World War were critical years in the history of British broadcasting. They witnessed the rise of television and the end of the BBC's monopoly. - Vol 5. - Competition - continues the monumental history of broadcasting in the UK over a period of 20 years, from 1955 to the mid 1970s.