
The War of Words
Jonathan Dimbleby uncovers the compelling story of how the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ went into battle against Hitler and Whitehall's ministers, and how the conflict transformed the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
Series in which Jonathan Dimbleby explores how the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ fought not only Hitler but also the British government to become the institution it is today. Hailed and derided in equal measure, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ in 1939 had yet to seal its reputation. With the advent of war, the corporation found itself thrust into a battle against the Nazis and the machinations of the British government. The series examines how the conflict transformed the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, what impact its broadcasts had at home and abroad, and uncovers the battles that raged with the government over its independence - out of which was forged the template for the modern Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
In episode one, Jonathan reveals how the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ prepared for the first broadcast war and fought off government attempts to control it. Wholly unprepared, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ fended off complete government takeover and emerged a trusted global news source, transmitting in 47 languages. Using a wealth of preserved recordings and previously unseen documents, Jonathan uncovers the compelling story of how the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ went into battle - against Hitler and Whitehall's ministers - and its part in the social revolution the war provoked.
He also considers the voices of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ at war - many of whom became household names but would never have been allowed near a microphone in different circumstances. From an early Nazi propaganda coup that forced the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ into action and how fears of a crisis in morale at home led to class barriers being swept away on the airwaves, to how stubborn determination and technical improvisation enabled broadcasting from the heart of the war zone, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ at War reveals how World War Two was the making of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ - and nearly its breaking.
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The Maginot Line
Duration: 03:10
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Jonathan Dimbleby |
Writer | Jonathan Dimbleby |
Executive Producer | Peter Grimsdale |
Producer | Robin Barnwell |
Director | Robin Barnwell |
Broadcasts
- Sun 14 Jun 2015 21:00
- Wed 17 Jun 2015 23:20Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two HD & England only
- Wed 17 Jun 2015 23:50Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two except England & HD
- Tue 30 Jun 2015 01:55
- Sat 29 Apr 2017 20:00
- Mon 1 May 2017 00:30
- Mon 3 Jun 2019 00:55