BBC in 1920s and 1930s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

BBC in 1920s and 1930s - Essay Example [1] [3] [4] John Reith was chosen as general manager and the company later became the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1927 when it was granted a Royal Charter of incorporation and ceased to be privately owned. It started experimental television broadcasting in 1932 and finally in 1936 began commercial operation. [1] [3] [4] Since BBC was doing great, it awarded a second TV channel, BBC2, in 1964, renaming the existing channel BBC1. BBC's monopoly on radio services persisted until the 1970s. Starting in 1964 a series of pirate radio stations came on the air, and forced the UK government to finally deregulate radio services. In response the BBC reorganized and renamed their radio channels. As well as the four national channels, a series of local BBC radio stations was established. [1] [3] [4] Since the deregulation of the UK television and radio market in the 1980s, the BBC started to face greater competition from the commercial sector, especially on satellite television, cable television, and digital television services. [1] The credit of the early success of the company goes to the BBC Research Department which has played a major part in the development of broadcasting and recording techniques. In the early days it carried out essential research into acoustics and programme level and noise measurement. [1] [3] [4] The BBC is a Public Corporation operating as a public service broadca... The BBC is required by its charter to be free from both political and commercial influence and to answer only to its viewers and listeners. [1] [3] [4] Goals in 1920s and 1930s BBC was established in 1922 and its earliest goal (as with most companies) was to survive. BBC started off with its radio service, which was the first of its kind. The national service which BBC provided could only be heard by the few who had radio receivers. Therefore as beginner BBC's objective was to firmly establish itself as a known company and promote the technology to the audiences. As the technology progressed and more people got interested in the entertainment provided by BBC, the goals of the company matured as well. For the purpose of better understanding these goals are broken down into separate headings and the goals specified are presented in a chronological order. Economic goals As mentioned above, as a new company starting in 1922, the aim of BBC was to survive the initial excursion into the unknown world of radio public service. After creating the stirring in the British elite circle (because this service could only be afforded by the elites initially), the economic goal of BBC changed towards enlarging its scope and expanding into bigger markets. By late 1930s BBC's economic goal was to earn through its radio and T.V. broadcasts without interference from commercial pressures. Governmental goals In 1926 the first royal charter was given to BBC to function. This charter was an understanding to promote governmental goals as well as BBC's own goals. The British monarch used the radio to forge a link between the dispersed and disparate listeners and the symbolic heartland of