主播大秀

An enthralling series exploring how the 主播大秀 fought not only Hitler but also the British government to become the institution it is today. Hailed and derided in equal measure, the 主播大秀 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. This series examines how the conflict transformed the 主播大秀, 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 主播大秀.

Wholly unprepared for what was the world's first broadcast war, the 主播大秀 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 Dimbleby uncovers the compelling story of how the 主播大秀 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 主播大秀 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 主播大秀 into action and how fears of a crisis in morale at home led to class barriers being swept away on the airwaves to how determination and technical improvisation enabled broadcasting from the heart of the war zone, 主播大秀 at War reveals how World War II was the making of the 主播大秀 - and nearly its breaking.

In this programme, Jonathan Dimbleby looks at how the 主播大秀 prepared to report from the front line during World War II.