Image: Grace Wyndham Goldie, 'the first woman of television', in 1958.
The changing role of women at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is explored in this unique oral history collection – featuring voices of early radio pioneers in the 1920s and 30s through women engineers during World War Two to programme makers developing content specifically for a female audience, and finally to women in top management positions. Not forgetting the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s first ever female war correspondent and barrier-breaking female DJs and musicians.
Here is their story of resilience and revelation, told first hand by the women who were there.
Curated by Dr Kate Murphy, Bournemouth University and Dr Jeannine Baker, Macquarie University, Australia, with additional material by Dr Emma Sandon, Birkbeck, University of London; Dr Kate Terkanian, Bournemouth University, Professor Helen Wood, University of Leicester; Professor Lucy Robinson, University of Sussex; Dr Sejal Sutaria, Grinnell College, USA; Dr David Butler, University of Manchester; Dr Vicky Ball, De Montfort University; and Martha Kearney of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
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Early Pioneers
Women at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ in the 1920s and 1930s -
Sound and Vision
Women in Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ engineering in wartime and beyond -
Women's Programmes
Programmes for women, by women -
Speaking to you at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
How women contributed to television’s particular and intimate style of address. -
Behind the Scenes
The army of women who worked behind the scenes at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, and the pioneers who campaigned for better opportunities. -
Equal Opportunities?
A fresh perspective on equal opportunities at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ. -
In Control
The women who reached the top of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ. -
For Empire and Commonwealth
How women from across the Empire and Commonwealth sought opportunities at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and broadcast to the world. -
Martha Kearney on Audrey Russell
Martha Kearney, Presenter of Today on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 looks at the achievements of a pioneering war correspondent. -
Variety and Music
The influential women producers and directors of Light Entertainment and Music. -
Women in Popular Music: Annie Nightingale
Annie Nightingale's story exemplifies the importance of listening to and supporting women in the media. -
Women of the Workshop
The women who shaped the pioneering sound of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radiophonic Workshop. -
Background to the project
Dame Jenni Murray, DBE, journalist and presenter explores some of the rich archive discovered in this latest release from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Oral History Collection. -
Gallery
A gallery of women at work and leisure at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ from the 1930s to 1960s. -
Share your memories
Let us have your comments, thoughts and ideas.
Editorial Note
The Pioneering Women collection contains excerpts and programmes from Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ services at specific moments in time. The material should be viewed in this context and with the understanding that it reflects the attitudes and standards of that period – not those of today. Please note in particular that the website contains language which is now clearly outdated and offensive but which was regarded as acceptable by many people when first used.